Car Accident
Greg Prosmushkin
Oct 24, 2024

The impact of a car accident goes beyond the physical injuries that are usually the initial cause of concern for the people involved. While it is crucial to get immediate medical attention to assess the impact of a car accident, it is equally important to pay attention to possible psychological effects.

The psychiatric consequences and other long-term effects of a car accident are a cause for worry, considering the number of auto collisions in the United States. Early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have shown a 3.2% reduction in traffic deaths from January to June 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. However, that means 18,720 people died in car accident fatalities during the first half of 2024. 

Some people who figure in car accidents fail to recognize the psychological damage and emotional impact of such accidents. Other people can become so preoccupied fighting with the insurance company after a car accident, that they do not even realize that they are already suffering from car accident trauma. If you’ve been in a car accident that you feel has impacted you psychologically,  you may want to consider getting the legal help of a Philadelphia car accident lawyer who has experience dealing with car accident laws.

Can a Car Accident Cause Emotional Distress?

In the wake of a devastating motor vehicle collision, you might be wondering “what are my rights after a car accident?” When you survive a car crash, you not only contend with chronic pain, but you also have to deal with mental anguish as a result of financial obligations, medical bills, and loss of income. People worry about the physical effects of a car accident such as whiplash injuries, and yet unknowingly ignore the psychological effects which could take the form of:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Panic Attacks
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Hypervigilance

You may have physically survived an accident and healed your visible injuries, but the emotional impact of a car accident can leave you struggling to cope with the psychiatric consequences. Trauma manifests itself differently for each individual, and some people may find it hard to deal with the impact on their mental health after a car accident.

Car accident trauma occurs when you experience something deeply distressing as a passenger, driver or even just a bystander. A fatal car accident effects a person’s psychological makeup and can even lead to survivor’s guilt and in some cases suicidal thoughts. You may find it hard to get behind the wheel right after an accident and may need to learn some relaxation techniques when you start driving again. Some survivors find that support groups can be among the most effective coping mechanisms for emotional distress as a result of an accident.

Long-Term Mental Health Consequences

A stressful event such as a car accident can lead to an acute stress reaction that may persist for a few days, weeks, or even months after an accident. This short-term mental distress is characterized by panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares. When coping mechanisms fail, your emotional distress can linger and get worse over time.

The American Psychological Association found out that most non-military people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) most likely developed it after a motor vehicle accident. A study among car accident survivors also showed different anxiety levels in their driving behavior as a result of PTSD. The Journal of Clinical Medicine published a study which found out that up to 32.3% of people who survived a car accident suffered from PTSD, a condition that can last for life if not treated.

Car accident victims may also develop an obsession with car accidents, which can be debilitating.. The emotional impact of a car accident can be frustrating, and it can affect your quality of life. It is not easy to cope with the emotional disorders caused by car accidents. Psychological treatment can be very expensive, especially without proper compensation to support your medical expenses.

Pursuing Compensation for Emotional and Psychological Car Accident Damages

The compensation that a car accident victim can negotiate for is generally based on  Car Accident Damage, among other things. However, pain and suffering as well as emotional distress are also among the effects of car accidents that may require treatment and may be taken into consideration when pursuing compensation for a car accident. If you or a family member suffer from physical injuries or psychological damage as a result of a car crash, you should consider consulting with an experienced lawyer who can help determine who is at fault, and if applicable, help you recover Lost Wages After a Car Accident and obtain compensation for the long-term effects on your mental health.

Be forewarned that like any personal injury claim, a claim based on pain and suffering requires evidence to prove the impact of the accident on your mental health. Such evidence can consist of:

  • Medical records related to the emotional stress claimed to be a result of the accident
  • Statements from witnesses who can testify on your psychological makeup

Whether you can sue a third party for damages associated with pain and suffering depends on whether you have a limited or full tort auto insurance policy. If you have full tort coverage, you can sue for pain and suffering regardless of the severity of the accident. If you have limited tort you may only sue for pain and suffering if the negligent driver:

  • Is convicted or accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance in that accident
  • Is operating a motor vehicle registered in another state
  • Intends to injure himself or another person, provided that an individual does not intentionally injure himself or another person merely because his act or failure to act is intentional or done with his realization that it creates a grave risk of causing injury or the act or omission causing the injury is for the purpose of averting bodily harm to himself or another person
  • Has not maintained financial responsibility as required

Moreover, an individual otherwise bound by a limited tort option with respect to product liability claims that lead to the occurrence of the car accident in question; and if the injured party is injured while an occupant of a motor vehicle other than a private passenger motor vehicle. An injured party may also be entitled to full tort coverage if their injury is deemed legally serious. A serious injury is defined as death, serious disfigurement, or serious impairment of a bodily function. 

How can a lawyer assist with your car accident claim?

A Personal Injury lawyer who knows the applicable laws in your jurisdiction will be able to give you proper legal advice before the statute of limitations expires.

Proof of negligence is a significant factor in determining fault and liability when it comes to car accidents. A lawyer can advise you on the necessary documents needed to demonstrate that you are entitled to damages. s 

Remember that a car accident can injure you both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, seeking professional help for both injuries can be expensive, especially when you are already suffering from the consequences of a car accident.

Get the help you need and the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer who may be able to assist you in obtaining financial compensation for your losses.

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