FVF Law is a values driven law firm.
There’s no question about it, car accidents are devastating. The aftermath is expensive and time-consuming, and physical injuries can be painful and life-altering. For some, the stress of a car accident is more than just an inconvenience — it’s an injury itself. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very real consequence of car accidents for almost a quarter of car accident survivors, and PTSD needs treatment just like any other injury.
PTSD is a serious psychological consequence of traumatic events, like car accidents. Most people would acknowledge that a car accident has an expected effect on their mental state, especially in the immediate aftermath, but this goes far beyond just emotional distress. When a car accident results in fatalities, survivors often experience additional psychological impacts.
Unfortunately, many people with PTSD from a car accident may not experience the symptoms for days, weeks, or even months after their accident. Many also may not realize that what they are experiencing is just as important as a physical injury and just as deserving of care.
PTSD after a car accident can present differently, but just some of the common symptoms include:
While alcohol and drug use are not symptoms of PTSD itself, many people turn to substances — or other self-destructive behaviors — to cope with the psychological effects of their PTSD.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, there is help. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America offers a self-screening tool people can use to help them communicate their possible symptoms of PTSD with healthcare providers. Sometimes, people with PTSD experience suicidal thoughts. The free and confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in distress or worried about someone else. They have options for chatting online or over the phone at 1-800-273-8255.
While PTSD does not require survivors to have sustained any physical injuries to be life-altering, PTSD can stem from or be compounded by the physical injuries sustained in a car accident. Understanding the relationship between physical injuries that occurred and the anxiety those who were injured continue to experience can be complicated, but it can also play a big role in calculating fair compensation in your PTSD settlement.
See what our clients think about us
PTSD is a medical condition, and financial compensation is available for impacts, just like any other medical condition. As with any car accident claim, recovery amounts vary, but we will look at a variety of factors, including:
Some of the medical expenses associated with treatment for PTSD might include:
How these damages are calculated will depend on how your PTSD affects you and your ability to live your life. Factors considered might include:
Many people are embarrassed when it comes to seeking help for PTSD, and it can be even more difficult to put yourself out there for financial recovery. You might be worried about being accused of being weak or even faking your emotional distress. However, a number of researchers have actually studied whether or not PTSD seems to disappear after a successful lawsuit, and their findings support the fact that there is no widespread deceit among people who experience PTSD after a car accident.
In addition to the extent of your PTSD and its impact on your life, there are other factors that contribute to the amount of your financial recovery. Every client should understand that the value of their case is maximized by how far we can push for clients to get the most compensation possible. This means factoring in:
Calculating the full value of a PTSD case is complex, especially when maximizing the full value of a case means understanding what future costs may be in store. This means that these cases need to be handled by attorneys who not only will listen to your story and trust your understanding of how your car accident has impacted you but also understand how to craft a strong case.
Ready to speak with an experienced lawyer?
FVF Law wants people injured in car accidents to be empowered to make their own decisions about what they need, not feel victimized or ashamed for needing help. That’s why we’ll work to help you understand your rights when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, including your own. If the insurance companies are not willing to settle fairly, we will take it to the courtroom.
We don’t take cases if we don’t believe that we can add enough value to your recovery to cover the cost of hiring a lawyer. Even if we don’t end up representing you, we know information and education are two of the strongest tools we can help you with when it’s time to take back your life after an accident. Contact us today to get started and get an Austin car wreck lawyer on your side.
Our Process and What You Can Expect
Call FVF
Get a no obligation consultation.
Get Answers
Our lawyers will answer all your questions so you can make educated decisions.
Relax
Let us handle the details so you can focus on healing.
Get Results
We'll craft a strong case so you can get a fair recovery.
Contact Us to Review Your Case