Per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by any “shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” While the diagnosis originated with the treatment of scarred veterans returning from military service, typically involving combat or near-death situations, car accidents certainly fall into the category of traumatic events that can lead to this condition.
In this article, you will learn more about PTSD and how it could entitle you to monetary compensation.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
- Seeking Damages After a Car Accident
- When to Start Your Case
- An Attorney From Our Firm Will Help You Navigate the Legal Process
- Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. for Help With Your Case
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Everyone reacts to trauma differently. Even people who share a diagnosis of PTSD will exhibit unique combinations and severity of symptoms.
According to the NIMH, PTSD symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Feeling guilty, nervous, or angry
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the traumatic event
To know for sure if you have PTSD, see a mental health specialist as soon as possible. They will recommend treatments (which may include medication and therapy) and lifestyle changes that could address your symptoms (e.g., exercising, journaling, and meditation).
In addition, an official PTSD diagnosis may bolster your claim for damages. The diagnosis proves you have a mental illness and, when combined with other evidence, will support the argument that the accident caused your PTSD symptoms.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
Seeking Damages After a Car Accident
If your PTSD was caused by a car accident, you might qualify for the following types of damages:
- Pain and suffering: PTSD has caused you emotional and psychological anguish that negatively impacts your overall health.
- Impaired quality of life: You are no longer able to enjoy the lifestyle you once did. For example, maybe getting into a car upsets you, or bad memories keep you up at night.
- Loss of consortium: Your illness has caused a rift with your spouse.
- Medical expenses: You are going to therapy or taking medication to manage your PTSD.
- Loss of employment: Your PTSD prevents you from doing your job, so you left your position or were fired.
You could also qualify for damages on the basis of:
- Cost of repair: Your car was damaged, so you paid to fix it and use alternative modes of transportation in the meantime.
- Loss of wages: Your injuries (including PTSD) kept you home from work or forced you to work reduced hours on a temporary basis.
- Loss of earning capacity: Your injuries (including PTSD) have affected your ability to provide for yourself in the same way that you could before.
- Disfigurement: The accident caused a physical injury that will leave a permanent mark.
When to Start Your Case
You should consider your legal options as soon as you can. The primary reason for this is the statute of limitations, found in New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, which gives you a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit (if one is necessary).
In addition, the success of your lawsuit will depend on your (or your lawyer’s) ability to find evidence like the following:
- Surveillance footage
- Witness testimony
- Witness photos or video
- Accident reports
The longer you wait to begin, the more likely it is that critical pieces of evidence will be destroyed. However, the sooner you contact us, the greater our ability to build the strongest case possible for you.
Whether you are filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, an attorney from our firm will help you build your case and protect your rights during this difficult time.
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An Attorney From Our Firm Will Help You Navigate the Legal Process
If you have PTSD, you already have enough to worry about. Talk to our law firm about your legal rights. Our team will assess your case at no cost or obligation to you. Further, you only have to pay attorneys’ fees once you receive compensation.
With a lawyer from our team on your side, you will be able to stay home and focus on your injuries, secure in the knowledge that someone else will:
- Update you regularly: Whenever something important happens, your lawyer will call you and walk you through the implications of the development.
- Identify all liable parties: Sometimes, one person is solely responsible for an accident; other times, multiple parties share responsibility.
- Communicate with the liable party: Talking to the liable party yourself only gives them a chance to use your words against you.
- Collect evidence: Your lawyer will build the strongest possible case by supporting your testimony with police reports, surveillance footage, and more.
- Quantify your damages: Not sure how much your case is worth? Ask your lawyer. They will calculate the cost of your injury-related losses.
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Call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. for Help With Your Case
Car accidents can cause PTSD, and Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will help you fight for compensation for your PTSD symptoms.
Call us at (516) 932-0400. We are able to assist you in multiple languages (such as Spanish, Greek, Tamil, Bengali, or Kannada), and we charge no fees until you recover compensation.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form