You can be compensated if you were physically injured in an accident, but crashes can be scary experiences. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to also develop mental health issues, including PTSD. Treating post-traumatic stress disorder can be tough and this disease can interfere with your daily life for a long time. If you are experiencing PTSD as a result of a car crash, a Monmouth County car accident lawyer from our firm may be able to help.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD can manifest in a number of ways, but common symptoms include feelings of anxiety and dread. Accident victims may relive the crash and suffer from persistent nightmares. PTSD can even make it difficult for some people to work or engage in their daily routines. These symptoms can easily upend your life, and you deserve fair compensation if your accident has caused these issues.
How Can I Show That I Have PTSD?
You can’t see PTSD. It’s not like a broken leg or a laceration. So if you want to sue for damages, then you need to gather evidence and be ready to talk about your mental health issues. Some things that can help include:
- A diagnosis and testimony from a doctor
- Notes from your therapist
- Testimony from people who knew you before and after the accident
What Damages Can I Win If I Have PTSD?
There are two broad categories of damages in a case like this. Your compensation should make up for:
Economic damages: These are the obvious costs of an accident. If you have been billed for treatment of your PTSD or missed work because of your symptoms, economic damages would help cover the cost of medical bills and lost wages.
Non-economic damages: Some effects of an accident are harder to quantify, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be compensated for them. This category of damages is there to make up for things like mental anguish, psychological trauma, and pain and suffering. If you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, these types of damages absolutely need to be part of the conversation.
How Long Do I Have to Sue For Damages?
In most cases, New Jersey accident victims have two years to sue for damages. We recommend taking action as soon as you can. If you try to sue after this statute of limitations has expired, that can result in your case being thrown out, no matter how much evidence you have. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to gather evidence, and the sooner you can be compensated.
Contact Our Firm
When you want to learn more about your legal options, contact Falcon Law Firm. Schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation and take the time to talk to our lawyers about how to claim compensation for PTSD and any other injuries stemming from a car accident.
