You can get PTSD from a motorcycle accident. PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and is caused by traumatic events a person experiences or witnesses. The most common causes of PTSD are sexual assault, war, domestic abuse, and severe accidents. While a motorcycle accident can often be a traumatic event, not everyone gets PTSD from being involved in one.
Everyone reacts to traumatic events differently, and it is never a guarantee how you will respond. Depending on the accident’s severity, your mental state before the accident, and immediate events after the accident, you could develop this and other conditions that affect your mental health. An attorney can help you seek compensation for PTSD and other damages.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD can display a variety of symptoms. Though not all motorcycle accident victims will experience them, the following are some of the most common symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic:
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks of the incident
- Nightmares and day terrors
- Aggressive denial of the accident and avoidance of discussing it
- Recurring thoughts of the incident, especially in moments that are not similar to the happenings of the accident
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
These are some of the more apparent symptoms. If you are experiencing some of these in the weeks or months after getting into a motorcycle collision, you may have PTSD from the incident. It could be essential to see a mental health specialist like a counselor or psychiatrist after your accident to address the condition. A qualified medical professional can give you the proper care and treatment for your mental health.
It’s worth noting that experiencing significant stress or similar events can trigger PTSD some time after the initial event that caused it. Be mindful and aware in the months after your accident to ensure you do not exhibit any signs. Your doctor can diagnose and provide you with medications if you do indeed have PTSD, and connect you with the needed resources to help.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawsuits
Costs can add up quickly after a motorcycle accident. From fixing or replacing your bike to seeking treatment for injuries and potential PTSD, you can end up spending a lot of money you had not planned on spending.
With the help of an injury lawyer from our firm, you can file a lawsuit to demand financial recovery for your damages. You could receive compensation for:
Mental and Emotional Distress
This includes any emotional suffering you experienced in the accident’s aftermath, such as mental fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. These conditions could be brought on by the event itself or hardships you’ve experienced during the recovery process.
Medical Expenses
You may incur numerous medical bills for your injuries after a motorcycle collision. You could recover compensation for the costs of:
- Emergency transportation and treatment
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
- Medication
- Checkups
Wages Lost During Treatment and Recovery
Your potential settlement or court award can cover any income you lost while you were unable to work during recovery. If you have PTSD, you may have to take unpaid leave to deal with the symptoms. A lawyer from our firm can include these financial losses in the case and fight for compensation.
Why Work With a Lawyer on Your Motorcycle Collision Case
Trying to get compensation for your motorcycle accident can seem next to impossible on your own. You deserve the time you need to heal from physical and mental wounds, without worrying about compiling evidence and negotiating with insurers.
This is where a law firm can help. While you heal, a personal injury lawyer can handle all aspects of your case. This may include:
- Investigating the motorcycle accident to identify the responsible parties
- Collecting evidence to prove liability on their part and the value of your damages, which can include the police report, your medical records, and any photographs or videos taken of the accident
- Representing you in al case proceedings, such as settlement negotiations and court hearings
- Filing your insurance claim and lawsuit paperwork
- Advocating for a settlement or court award that accounts for all of your damages, including those related to a PTSD diagnosis, if applicable
Can George Sink P.A Injury Lawyers Help Me?
If you may have developed PTSD as a result of your motorcycle accident, you should see a doctor for an evaluation. Then, our personal injury lawyers can help you fight for compensation to address your diagnosis, injuries, and other damages. With over 40 years of experience and more than 50,000 resolved cases in South Carolina and Georgia, our team is well equipped and willing to put in the necessary work to fight for you.
With help from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, you can rest assured that your case is receiving the effort and attention it deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine the best path toward financial recovery.