Yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a legitimate mental health condition that can develop after a car accident. Oklahoma personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for it as a form of non-economic damages, meaning it is a real type of harm recognized by the law as well. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you have the right to include the psychological harm you suffered as part of your legal claim.
Read on to learn more about how PTSD develops after a collision and what steps you can take to protect your rights.
Recognizing PTSD After a Car Accident
Many people associate PTSD with military combat, but car accidents are actually the leading cause of the condition among civilians in the United States. Research published through the National Library of Medicine suggests that between 20 and 45 percent of car accident survivors experience PTSD symptoms in the weeks and months that follow.
The condition does not always appear right away; symptoms can surface days or even weeks after the crash. Common warning signs include:
- Recurring flashbacks or nightmares about the collision
- Intense anxiety while driving or riding in a vehicle
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating on everyday tasks
- Avoiding places or situations connected to the accident
- Sudden mood changes or emotional withdrawal
- A persistent feeling of detachment from daily life
The emotional shock of the crash itself can sometimes be enough to trigger lasting psychological effects without any serious physical injuries.
Pursuing a PTSD Claim Under Oklahoma Law
Filing a personal injury claim for PTSD in Oklahoma is possible, but it does require solid evidence tying your condition to the accident. A formal diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional will serve as the foundation of your case. In addition, things like therapy records, prescriptions for medication, and statements from family members or coworkers who have witnessed changes in your behavior can all strengthen your position.
Insurance companies tend to push back harder on psychological injury claims than on physical ones, so thorough documentation matters more than it might otherwise.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover After an Oklahoma Car Accident?
A successful car accident claim in Oklahoma can compensate you for both your economic and non-economic damages. Overall, some examples of these damages include:
- Medical bills
- Therapy expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases involving egregious misconduct from the at-fault party, you might also be able to recover punitive damages.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Dealing with PTSD after a car accident is hard enough without the added pressure of navigating a legal claim. The Tulsa injury attorneys at Gorospe Law Group are here to handle your case from start to finish while you focus on your health and well-being.
Call us today for a free consultation at (918) 965-0208. Our personal injury lawyers work on contingency, so you only pay attorney’s fees if we win your case.