Principle Attorney
Car accidents often leave more than physical injuries behind. Many survivors experience lingering anxiety, nightmares, or an ongoing sense of fear when driving again—signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing how psychological trauma develops, how it’s treated, and how it’s addressed in personal injury claims helps victims pursue the full compensation they deserve.
What PTSD Looks Like After a Car Accident
PTSD can appear days or even months after a collision. You might be wondering whether your reactions are normal or signs of a deeper emotional injury. Common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or vivid memories of the crash
- Avoidance of driving or anything that recalls the event
- Difficulty sleeping or recurring nightmares
- Heightened anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
- Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones
When these symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, mental health professionals may diagnose PTSD or related trauma conditions.
Treatment Options and Recovery Pathways
Early intervention matters. Effective treatment can include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe intrusive thoughts.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Often used for trauma survivors to process distressing memories.
- Medication: Such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, when prescribed.
- Support Groups: Providing shared understanding and coping strategies.
Documenting treatment from licensed therapists or psychiatrists is vital. In a legal claim, this documentation becomes evidence of the mental health effects you’ve suffered.
How Colorado Law Recognizes Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Under Colorado personal injury law, victims can recover damages for both physical and emotional harm. PTSD is legally recognized as a compensable injury if it can be linked to the accident. Courts and insurers look for medical diagnoses, treatment records, and professional opinions connecting the trauma directly to the collision.
If you’re filing a claim, a psychological injury must be substantiated, meaning supported by expert testimony or detailed records from a mental health provider.
The Role of Expert Testimony and Documentation
Proving psychological trauma often requires more than your personal account. Attorneys frequently rely on:
- Expert testimony from psychologists or psychiatrists explaining the PTSD diagnosis
- Treatment records showing ongoing therapy, prescriptions, or progress notes
- Personal journals or witness statements documenting behavioral changes
This evidence helps quantify emotional distress, which can otherwise be difficult to express in financial terms.
Recovering the Cost of Treatment and Therapy
Treatment for PTSD can be lengthy and expensive. In Colorado, personal injury settlements may include reimbursement for:
- Therapy and counseling sessions
- Psychiatric evaluations and medications
- Travel expenses to treatment providers
- Future counseling needs
When supported by documentation, these costs can be included in the damages portion of your claim.
Long-Term Disability and Emotional Trauma
Some victims experience trauma so severe that it affects their ability to work or maintain relationships. In those cases, mental health conditions can support claims for long-term or partial disability. This can increase overall compensation by accounting for lost earning capacity, reduced quality of life, and ongoing psychological suffering.
How Mental Health Impacts Damage Calculations
Insurance companies and courts consider several factors when valuing emotional distress claims:
- Severity and duration of PTSD symptoms
- Impact on daily functioning and work life
- Required duration and cost of therapy
- Correlation between the trauma and the accident
The more detailed and consistent the medical evidence, the stronger the case for recovering damages related to psychological harm.
Getting Legal Help for Emotional Trauma Claims
Even though PTSD isn’t visible, it can be every bit as real and damaging as a physical injury. Legal representation ensures that emotional trauma isn’t minimized or dismissed in the settlement process. We will help you collect medical records, consult with mental health experts, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your experience.
Reach Out for Compassionate Legal Support
If you’re suffering emotionally after a car accident, you don’t have to face recovery alone. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC, helps Colorado accident victims pursue compensation for both physical and psychological injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you rebuild your life after trauma.