Were you recently injured in a serious car accident? In addition to your physical injuries, your emotional and mental health may have been negatively affected by the car accident. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Carter Mario Law Firm will fight to obtain the financial compensation you need from the negligent driver’s insurance company.

Mental Trauma Resulting from a Car Accident

A motor vehicle accident can be a traumatizing experience, leaving many car accident victims with lasting psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Unlike physical injuries, the emotional and psychological effects of a car accident are not always readily apparent. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States.

How to Know if You Have PTSD from a Motor Vehicle Collision

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a widely misunderstood mental health condition which can be difficult to diagnose. PTSD is a common condition which can develop after a traumatic event such as a car accident. Common PTSD symptoms include:

• Flashbacks – victims suffer sudden and intrusive memories of the car accident when confronted by a mental trigger.
• Avoidance behavior – victims avoid the location of a car accident and sometimes even avoid driving a vehicle due to intense fear.
• Behavioral changes – victims sometimes experience depression and become withdrawn from friends and family.
• Extreme emotional reactions – When triggered, victims experience extreme mood swings.
• Sleeping difficulties – Victims may be unable to sleep due to recurring nightmares.

Types of Trauma Caused by a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause different types of serious injuries. Specifically, car accident victims often suffer physical injuries and emotional trauma. Understanding the different kinds of trauma can help you get appropriate treatment from a medical professional who can direct your physical and mental health recovery.

Physical Trauma & Injuries

Fundamentally, auto accidents involve collisions between large, heavy objects. An auto accident can result in various physical injuries. Depending on the severity of the impact, car accident victims often suffer:

• Broken bones
• Bruises / Contusions
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Organ damage
• Muscle damage

Evident Physical Trauma

Evident physical trauma describes injuries which can be seen immediately on a victim’s physical body after an accident. Victims who suffer apparent injuries such as broken bones and severe lacerations often require emergency medical treatment. These types of injuries can permanently affect an accident victim’s daily life.

Non-Evident Physical Trauma & Injuries

Some injuries are not immediately apparent but can manifest days or weeks after an accident. Examples of non-evident physical trauma include herniated discs, concussions, whiplash, and a traumatic brain injury. It is essential to seek professional medical care even if you do not feel injured after an accident.

Mental Trauma Resulting from a Collision

An automobile accident is a traumatizing event which can leave a victim mentally traumatized. Specifically, car accidents can result in several different mental health injuries. Common mental health conditions which accident victims develop include:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Depression
• Panic Attacks
• Disruptions Of Normal Sleep Patterns
• Anxiety

Motor Vehicle Accidents & Emotional Trauma

Accident victims are often mentally and emotionally traumatized. This is due to the extreme fear and stress victims experience immediately before and during the collision. The pain accident victims experience in itself can also be emotionally traumatizing. 

Mental Trauma vs Emotional Trauma

While mental and emotional trauma are often used interchangeably, they are different. Emotional trauma encompasses the mental anguish and emotional suffering accident victims can claim as part of their economic damages. Mental trauma refers to the specific mental and emotional health conditions victims develop, e.g., PTSD, depression, etc.

Can You File a Lawsuit for Suffering Trauma after a Car Accident?

Yes, under Connecticut law, you can file a lawsuit for emotional suffering. Connecticut recognizes emotional suffering as a compensable injury. While bringing a claim solely for mental injuries is difficult, a car accident victim has a stronger case if they also suffered bodily injuries.

Types of Trauma You Can File a Lawsuit For

In addition to filing a lawsuit to seek damages for your emotional trauma, you can also seek compensation for your underlying physical injuries. You can also seek compensation if your injuries leave you permanently disfigured or disabled. The Carter Mario Law Firm will collect all your medical records and bills to ensure you are fully compensated for all your injuries.

You Have Limited Time to File Your Claim

If you are considering filing a lawsuit for mental trauma resulting from a car accident, it is important to act quickly. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents is two years in Connecticut. Your personal injury claim is barred if you fail to file a lawsuit within two years of a vehicle accident.

Can You Recover Damages for Trauma Resulting from a Car Accident?

Yes, Connecticut law allows you to claim damages for emotional trauma due to a car crash. Specifically, you can claim economic damages for your medical bills, including the cost of treatment from a mental health professional, and lost wages if your injuries prevented you from working. You can also claim non-economic damages for your pain and suffering, along with the effects your mental injuries have had on your everyday life.

Talk with a Car Accident Lawyer if You’re Experiencing PTSD from a Collision

Car accident survivors face a tough road when seeking compensation for the psychological effects of a car accident. Representation by an experienced car accident attorney is essential, as the other driver’s insurance company will do everything they can to minimize or deny the extent of your injuries. If you were in a traumatic car accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Summary of Suffering Trauma Following a Car Accident

A car accident can be a traumatic experience which can leave a victim suffering from long-lasting physical and mental injuries. Connecticut law allows car accident victims to obtain compensation for psychological injuries, including PTSD. The Carter Mario Law Firm has obtained over One Billion Dollars for our clients. We will fight to get the compensation you deserve for your emotional distress.

SIX BRICK-AND-MORTAR LOCATIONS IN CONNECTICUT

Carter Mario has convenient locations around Connecticut to serve you. Click on your location below to learn more!