A car accident can be a traumatic experience, whether you suffered physical injuries or not. A lot of people struggle with anxiety in the aftermath of an accident, too scared to get behind the wheel or even sit in the passenger seat. If you’re dealing with the psychological fallout of a motor vehicle accident, do you have cause for a motor vehicle accident claim?
While physical injuries are a no-brainer in terms of motor vehicle accident compensation, psychological injuries are more complicated. Trauma can impact every part of your life, from how you operate in the workplace to your ability to socialise. Even witnessing a severe accident can lead to a trauma response. So, if you are struggling and another party was the cause of the accident, you may be able to successfully make a claim.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression following a motor vehicle accident, you should reach out to motor accident lawyers to discuss your compensation claim. A lawyer can advise you on what steps to take to provide evidence of your trauma and what steps to take to prove your claim.
Psychological Ramifications of Motor Accidents
Anxiety after a car accident is common.
Anxiety symptoms range from mild discomfort around vehicles and rise to debilitating panic attacks. Some people can develop post-traumatic stress disorder following a serious car accident, whether they were seriously injured themselves or witnessed the serious injuries of a loved one.
The most common post-traumatic response to a car accident is anxiety around driving or getting in a car. A study from The University of Queensland suggests that the prevalence of mental health issues is higher in those who have experienced even minor injuries in a road traffic accident.
In addition to travel anxiety, you may notice an influx in physical symptoms of anxiety, including fatigue, headaches, jaw clenching, stomach aches, appetite issues, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing, and a rapid heartbeat. Additional mental symptoms of anxiety include irrational worry, new phobias, intrusive thoughts, racing thoughts, and emotional symptoms.
Behaviourally, you may notice that you avoid certain situations that revolve around travel, which can lead to isolation from your friends which will only further exacerbate your mental health issues. Additionally, you may have sleep issues, irritability, obsessive behaviour around safety, and self-medication.
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, you should reach out to a medical professional for help.
Motor Vehicle Accident Claims: Can I Claim For Anxiety?
To claim compensation for anxiety, your motor accident lawyer must be able to show that the trauma from the motor accident has caused you to develop a recognisable psychiatric injury. Psychological injuries are typically considered when assessing pain and suffering as well as the impact these injuries have on interfering with you ability to return to your usual work.
To make a successful claim, you will need evidence of how the accident occurred, who was at fault, the injuries you sustained, and how this impacted your life. Psychological injuries aren’t visible the way physical injuries are, so you can’t photograph them for evidence. However, you can include video footage and pictures from the accident scene, pictures of your injuries that contributed to your psychological distress, witness statements, witness constant information, receipts for any expenses you paid out of pocket, as well as medical records detailing your injuries.
Your lawyer will be able to help you gather all the relevant evidence to prove your case.
Coping with MVA Anxiety
If you’re struggling with anxiety following a car accident, there are proactive steps you can take to relieve your symptoms. The first is seeking professional help from a therapist. However, you can also join a support group, practice self-care, journal, rely on familial support, lean on your friends, and if you’re struggling with travel anxiety, start by travelling by car as a passenger.
Ultimately, you need time to heal and the compassion you deserve to do so.
How AJB Stevens Can Help
A claim might seem straightforward, but insurance companies require a breadth of evidence to pay out, especially when addressing psychological injuries. You should always consult with experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers before you move forward with a claim. Skilled motor vehicle accident lawyers will take you through your experience and discuss what evidence you have and what evidence can still be gathered to support your claim.
At AJB Stevens, we have a team of motor vehicle lawyers who will provide you with the legal advice and emotional support you need to navigate the compensation system. We always fight for you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
