Yes, the fear, terror, and sudden physical injury many people suffer in severe car crashes often triggers the onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If you were recently in a motor vehicle accident and subsequently developed symptoms of PTSD, then you can seek compensation for the treatment you need as part of your car accident settlement.
However, because PTSD and other psychiatric disorders that car accident victims suffer are harder to prove in personal injury claims, it’s important to be represented by an experienced Denver car accident lawyer to ensure you have the best chance at securing fair compensation.
Why do people develop PTSD after car accidents?
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, and a violent, high-speed car accident, in which you and those with you suffer grave injuries, certainly qualifies as one. PTSD symptoms include intense flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts related to the event.
In fact, multiple studies show that up to 33% of car accident survivors develop PTSD after a car collision, and many more experience the onset or worsening of other mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, and situational phobias.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard diagnostic guide for mental health professionals, your risk of developing PTSD after a car accident increases if:
- You experienced a prior traumatic event
- The car accident was life-threatening, or you suffered grievous injury
- You have an existing mental health condition
- You have a family history of psychological conditions
- Someone you love passed away in the accident, or you witnessed their serious injury
PTSD is treatable, but not everyone responds in the same manner to the same types of treatment. You may need ongoing care and therapy to heal.
Treatment for car accident-related PTSD
The most effective treatment for PTSD following a car accident combines specific types of therapy and medications, including antidepressants and anxiolytics, to manage symptoms.
Car accident victims experiencing PTSD often benefit from therapies that target both the cause of the trauma and the resulting symptoms, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT addresses the negative thoughts and behaviors related to trauma and helps patients develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Exposure Therapy: Car accident victims are gradually, safely exposed to reminders of the crash, under the supervision of a trained professional, in a controlled environment, to reduce the anxiety and fears associated with the event
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Precise application of bilateral stimulation (eye movement, in this case) to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories by reprocessing them
The success of these treatments isn’t guaranteed, and many people may need ongoing therapy and counseling long after their physical injuries heal.
Securing compensation for the PTSD treatment you need
Car accident victims in Colorado have the right to claim compensation for all damages they incur as a result of the crash, including psychological treatment for PTSD. Getting the money you need to cover your current and future treatment can be difficult, as many insurance companies may contest your claims for mental health treatment.
Being formally diagnosed with PTSD by a licensed mental health professional and presenting documentation of the therapy you receive for PTSD can help you get fair compensation to cover the therapy and medications you need. Along with the costs of therapy and medication, compensation may include non-economic damages for emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and long-term psychological harm.
Getting help for PTSD after a car crash
If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD after a serious car accident, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options. Mental health injuries like PTSD are real, diagnosable conditions that deserve proper care and legal consideration. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case with the medical evidence and documentation needed to recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Call Zara Injury Law today at (866) 823-8288 or contact us online for a free consultation.