Car Accidents & PTSD: 5 Factors That May Impact Your Case
Posted on: 27 January 2016
Many people are lucky to survive horrific car accidents, but there are often physical and emotional injuries that can linger long after the accident occurred. One emotional impact that you may be dealing with is PTSD or better known as post-traumatic stress disorder. When you're working with a lawyer and seeking compensation for car accident injuries, your PTSD can really factor into the case. Car accidents can impact the the following five areas and you may be entitled to compensation.
Loss of Driving
After being involved in a car accident, the PTSD may change the way you look at cars and driving in general. Memories, stress, and anxiety from the crash may limit how much you are actually driving or riding in a car. If the PTSD is limiting these functions, then you could major financial impacts in your life. For example, you may be unable to drive to your job and be forced to quit. Your quality of life may be limited if you cannot make daily trips to a grocery store.
A lawyer will help break down different impacts that your loss of driving has had on your life. This can help you get compensation for the losses and add to evidence in the case.
Driving Training
Along with a loss of driving, you may need to take courses to help you get used to being behind the wheel again. During a car accident case, you can work with your lawyer to seek compensation for the driving training classes. This includes the full costs of the class and any other extra supplies that you needed to purchase for the training.Training with a professional can help you ease behind the wheel, go over the basics, and help you overcome anxiety or stress that is associated with PTSD.
Therapy Sessions
Instead of dealing with PTSD on your own, it's common to have a professional therapist help get you through the process. Multiple therapy sessions can be used to get through your trauma, heal, and learn how to cope with the events of the accident. When insurance doesn't cover therapy sessions, you may end up paying a lot of the costs out of pocket. Instead f denying the therapy, your lawyer can help you seek compensation for the help. This ensures that you get the therapy you need for the car accident. The responsible parties for the accident should be held liable for all of your physical and emotional healing, including any therapy sessions that you attended or plan to attend in the future.
Road Routes & Accident Locations
One of the hardest parts of dealing with PTSD after an accident is returning to the accident location. When dealing with PTSD, you may be forced to take alternate routes or change your driving schedule. This could make an impact on the gas money and wear on your vehicle. All of these costs could be a big factor on your settlement case.
When working with a lawyer, you can determine the exact changes in your route and the additional costs that have occurred. For example, if your car accident was on a highway, the effects of PTSD may cause you to avoid highways and high-speed roads. Using mapping software, you and your lawyer can calculate the increased mileage and gas used for your vehicle. This can all be used as strong points of evidence for your case.
Daily Activities
PTSD can feel unpredictable and have an impact on a daily basis. By tracking changes in your daily schedule, you can help draft a pain and suffering document for use in your case. The PTSD can have multiple impacts on your stress, choice of daily activities, and possibly lead to depression. All of these factors may not have a direct monetary value, but they can become important parts of your case. A lawyer can help you draft the document and express the details of your daily activities and changes.
The effects of PTSD doesn't have to occur right after a car accident. That's why it's important to consult with a lawyer and not rush into any settlements. Take time to heal from physical and emotional injuries first. If you are interested in learning more, click here for info about car accident cases.
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