A person is prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a terrifying event. If a person suffers serious harm in an auto accident, this individual can experience PTSD symptoms. A doctor can help a person cope with PTSD and find safe, effective ways to manage their symptoms.
At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we want auto accident victims to seek justice. If you have been involved in a car accident in South Carolina caused by someone else, an attorney from our team can help you out. We can review your case and answer common questions about PTSD from auto accidents and related topics.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. A person can start to experience PTSD symptoms after an auto accident or other traumatic events. PTSD can affect a person’s mood, thinking, and ability to enjoy life to the fullest extent.
After an auto accident, a person may feel anxious about getting behind the wheel of a car or traveling in a motor vehicle with someone else. In this instance, the individual may be dealing with PTSD without even realizing it. With a clear understanding of the signs of PTSD, an individual can identify symptoms of the condition in themselves and others.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PTSD, and meeting with a doctor offers a great starting point for figuring out a way to manage the symptoms associated with it. Different therapies are available, and medications may be used to help people manage their PTSD symptoms. If you are experiencing PTSD after a car accident, consult with a doctor to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options.
What Should I Do if I Am Experiencing PTSD After an Auto Accident?
In addition to meeting with a doctor, it is a good idea to connect with a Charleston car accident lawyer. Look for an attorney that has experience with auto accident cases and a track record of success. This attorney can review your case and help you decide if now is the right time to request damages from any at-fault parties.
If you experience PTSD due to a car accident, you may be able to request non-economic damages relating to it. These damages are awarded for subjective harm. Examples of non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering you incur due to a car accident.
Along with non-economic damages, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and other quantifiable losses you suffer as a result of your auto accident. Your attorney can help you calculate the amount of economic and non-economic damages to request in your car accident lawsuit. From here, your lawyer can file your lawsuit.
How Can I Prove that I Am Dealing with PTSD After a Car Accident?
You will need a proper diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified medical professional. You need to go to a doctor and get an evaluation to receive this diagnosis. If a doctor believes you are coping with PTSD, this medical professional will diagnose it accordingly.
Keep track of all of your medical records relating to your PTSD diagnosis and treatments. These records can serve as evidence in your auto accident lawsuit. They can show a judge or jury the severity of your PTSD symptoms and what you are doing to address them.
Your lawyer will help you collect and evaluate evidence as you prepare for your car accident trial. With relevant evidence at your disposal, you can make a compelling argument to a judge or jury. This evidence can help you secure the most damages possible in your auto accident case.
How Much Money Can I Get as Compensation for PTSD After a Car Accident?
There is no restriction on the amount of damages you can request in a South Carolina personal injury lawsuit. This means you can request thousands of dollars in damages if you choose. To determine an appropriate amount of damages to ask for, it pays to consult with an attorney.
Your lawyer considers the short- and long-term impact of your PTSD. Also, your attorney looks at many other costs you have incurred due to your auto accident. Then, your lawyer can recommend how much you should request in damages.
It is your attorney’s responsibility to help you build a case that explains to a judge or jury why you deserve the full amount of the damages you request. If your attorney is successful, a judge or jury will understand the impact of your PTSD. Most importantly, a judge or jury may award you full damages.
How Can I Show a Judge or Jury that I Am Dealing with PTSD Following an Auto Accident?
You must provide a compelling argument to get a judge or jury to see your point of view in an auto accident case. This requires you to present a variety of evidence that supports your request for damages. You may also call upon medical professionals and other witnesses that can testify on your behalf.
The evidence you present during your car accident trial can make or break your case. You can use medical records and other evidence to show a judge or jury the impact of your PTSD symptoms on your everyday life. By doing so, you can illustrate why a judge or jury should rule in your favor.
Witnesses can help you further explain your side of the story in a car accident trial. They can give a judge or jury insights into how your PTSD symptoms have affected your mental well-being. On top of that, your witnesses can boost the credibility of your claims, to the point where it can be nearly impossible for a defendant to dispute them.
How Can I Get Started with a Car Accident Lawsuit and Pursue Damages for PTSD?
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has knowledgeable attorneys on staff that can help you win or settle your auto accident case. To learn more or request a free consultation, please contact us today.
