Can You Sue for Emotional Distress After a Truck Accident?
More than 50 million people around the globe experience vehicle accident trauma every year. Research and numerous studies have shown that being involved in a car accident increases your risk for a number of conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. PTSD is especially prevalent after truck crashes, as being hit by such a large vehicle is terrifying. People can also suffer emotional distress from the physical pain and limitations of their injuries.
Psychological injuries are every bit as real as physical injuries, and you should discuss all of the effects of your crash with a Tampa truck accident attorney right away. We can advise you on whether you have a viable claim.
Traffic Collision Emotional Distress is Common
According to information from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, emotional distress after a car or truck crash is pretty common. Consider the following
- Auto accidents are the number one cause of emotional distress in men (25 percent) and the number two cause for women (13 percent).
- Nine percent of all auto accident survivors develop PTSD.
PTSD and other forms of emotional distress can require psychological treatment and result in medical bills. People with PTSD might be unable to work for some time and feel effects on other aspects of their lives. The fear, flashbacks, and other symptoms of PTSD and emotional distress can cause financial and mental losses.
Document Your Emotional Distress After the Crash
The most challenging thing about seeking compensation for emotional distress is proving the extent of the damage. As personal injury lawyers who have handled many truck accident and emotional distress cases, we recommend:
- See a mental health professional. First, it’s important to get the help you need. Second, you’ll need to show that your distress after the crash is such that treatment was necessary and your life was disrupted.
- Write in a diary or journal about what you experienced during the crash and then what happens and how you feel as time passes. Diary entries are admissible in court. You can also simply text or email a friend or family these same types of details. Such communications and witness statements about your struggles also make solid evidence.
- If you’ve missed work, get documentation from your employer showing that you had to go home early or stay home for the day entirely. Missing work is common with emotional distress, especially if you have a job that requires driving.
Always mention your emotional and mental struggles following a truck accident to your lawyer. They can include damages for emotional pain and suffering in your truck accident claim.
Contact Tampa Truck Accident Attorney for Guidance
If you’re suffering from both physical injuries and emotional distress after a truck accident, you have the right to be compensated for your financial and intangible losses. Please reach out to our Tampa truck accident lawyers at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos today for a free review of your case or give us a call at (727) 441-9030. We are here to ease your stress and burden following a serious crash.