According to the National Institute of Mental Health study, more than 39.2% of car accident survivors develop Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD).
If you are a survivor of a car accident in New York, it is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms of PTSD. It can help you to file a personal injury lawsuit in time and enjoy full financial benefits after developing PTSD from the accident. It can also ensure you take the steps necessary to recover from PTSD fully.
Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about PTSD after a NY car accident:
Symptoms and Signs: How To Know You Have PTSD After the Accident
PTSD symptoms may not appear immediately. It can take days, weeks, months, or even years before signs of PTSD become more apparent. Here is a comprehensive analysis of these common signs and symptoms:
Intrusive Memories & Flashbacks
Recurrent and intrusive memories of the accident can cause flashbacks that trigger a lot of distress. You can experience uncontrollable and vivid memories that can cause emotional reactions. You can also experience nightmares and images of the accident without warning.
To help reduce the effects of these flashbacks, it may be beneficial to talk to a therapist about ways to manage triggers.
Emotional Numbing & Loss of Interest
As a result of the trauma, you may find yourself avoiding places that remind you of the accident. For instance, you can develop an intense fear of driving or using the exact roads you experience in your accident.
Also, you may find yourself avoiding conversations about the accident. You can also experience a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, making it difficult to connect with your loved ones.
Increased Anxiety & Hyperarousal
You may feel a heightened state of fear or paranoia after the accident. Consequently, the feeling can affect your daily life by increasing anxiety.
Also, you can be easily startled, making it difficult to focus. You may also experience self-destructive behavior as you feel detached from the world.
Trouble Sleeping & Concentrating
After a car accident, it is normal to have challenges sleeping and concentrating. However, if the condition persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as depression, it may be a sign of PTSD.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Get Compensation After a Developing PTSD From an Accident
If you have PTSD from a NY car accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you need accurate evidence proving the responsible party was liable for your trauma.
Here are the steps to follow when filing a personal injury lawsuit for PTSD:
- Seek Medical Attention
PTSD conditions can be life-threatening as an individual feels overwhelmed and helpless. As such, it is essential to seek a diagnosis from certified healthcare professionals immediately.
The professional can conduct a psychological evaluation to assess the extent of your trauma and recommend a treatment plan. They can also document the findings in a report and provide evidence of your PTSD condition.
- Consult With a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
After treatment, you need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit.
They can assess eyewitnesses and medical evidence to prove the other driver was at fault. They will assess police records and other critical documents that provide evidence of the accident.
The professionals can also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get a fair settlement. Also, they can access police records that provide evidence of the accident.
- File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Once you have sufficient evidence and legal representation, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to the appropriate court. Our lawyers will help you draft a claim that outlines the damages you incurred from the accident.
They can also gather evidence related to the accident that can help strengthen your case.
- Attend the Pre-trial Conference and Negotiations
At this point, you can present your arguments and evidence in a pre-trial conference. The judge can evaluate the facts and decide if it is necessary to have a trial.
If the judge decides a trial is necessary, your attorney can represent you in court. However, the lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf if the plaintiff offers an agreeable offer.
- Receive Compensation
If you win the case, you can receive financial compensation for your pain and suffering. The compensation can cover medical costs, emotional distress, and lost wages. However, it is essential to understand the agreement before signing it.
It can help avoid issues in the future and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. As such, it is crucial to agree on the terms with your New York personal lawyer, who can explain the conditions in detail.
Get Financial Compensation For NY Accident-Oriented PTSD Condition
PTSD can be a debilitating condition affecting your life for years. It can reduce your quality of life, making it impossible to perform your daily activities. However, if you have PTSD from a NY car accident, you can get financial compensation for your damages.
Contact an Experienced NY Car Accident Lawyer
Consult with an experienced New York car accident attorney, like Brandon J. Broderick, right away after a traumatizing car crash for help with the claims process. Our firm can give you advice as to where to seek help for PTSD after a NY car accident, as well as help you build a compelling claim to damages. Our compassionate attorneys understand that these injuries can be just as devastating as physical ones.
If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident, you deserve to fully recover for any physical, emotional, and mental injuries you suffered. At Brandon J. Broderick, with our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can get you the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.