A car accident is traumatizing. In the aftermath of a car wreck, you may experience mental and emotional anguish. These difficult feelings could add to the burdens you’re already struggling with due to physical injuries.
Luckily, there are ways you may cope with such difficulties. In addition, you might seek financial compensation for them when filing an auto accident claim or lawsuit.
Understanding the Emotional Impact
The emotional and mental toll of car accidents can take many forms. A car crash victim may experience such mental and emotional symptoms as the following in the days, weeks, months, and even years following a car wreck:
- Nightmares
- Anxiety regarding driving
- General stress/depression/anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Relationship difficulties
Be aware that emotional distress can result in greater physical pain after an auto accident. For example, if someone is experiencing high levels of post-accident stress, their body may be constantly tense. This can lead to muscle pain, headaches and similar forms of discomfort.
How To Cope After A Car Accident
There are various ways to potentially address the emotional impact of car accidents. Options to consider include:
- Therapy or counseling: Odds are you’ll be undergoing medical treatment for car wreck injuries. Use this opportunity to speak with doctors who may connect you with therapists or counselors who treat clients like yourself.
- Support groups: Search for car accident victim support groups in your area. You may also search for such groups online. Participating in support groups gives you the chance to share your experiences with those who can understand what you’re going through.
- Journaling: Journaling lets you work through complex thoughts and emotions after a car wreck. Keeping a journal might also help you document struggles for which you may receive compensation after a car crash.
Getting Compensation For Emotional Damages
You may seek compensation for your medical bills and other such economic losses after a motor vehicle wreck. Doing so usually involves filing an insurance claim. Filing a lawsuit is an option when the insurance company’s settlement offers are too low.
In some instances, you might also be eligible to receive compensation for certain non-economic losses. These are losses resulting from a crash that don’t have exact dollar values. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental trauma
If you’re struggling to cope emotionally after a wreck, account for this when negotiating a settlement.
How A Lawyer Can Help Your Recovery
Strongly consider enlisting the help of a personal injury lawyer when seeking compensation for the emotional impact of a car accident. A lawyer may assist you by:
- Documenting your losses
- Applying specialized formulas to assign dollar values to non-economic losses
- Coordinating with doctors and others who may testify to the nature and extent of your emotional and mental trauma
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
In addition, when you hire a lawyer, they can pursue compensation while you focus on your needs during a difficult time. Learn more about how a car accident attorney may help by taking the Free Case Evaluation today to speak with a personal injury lawyer handling cases like yours.
