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Physical injuries and property damage are common in California car accidents. However, the impact of a car crash can take an emotional toll as well. The psychological effects can be felt for months and years afterward. All too often, car accident victims do not realize that they can seek damages for their pain and suffering following a car accident caused by a negligent driver.

Exploring the Emotional Toll of Car Accidents

Long after your physical wounds heal, you may contend with mental health effects. Car accidents are sudden, happening in just fractions of a second with a violent and abrupt crash. This can cause acute trauma that eventually evolves into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may have flashbacks, nightmares, and severe episodes of anxiety that all interfere with your daily life.

Additionally, car accidents are known to trigger other mental health conditions. Anxiety leaves many accident victims living in perpetual fear while physical injuries that cause limitations and lifestyle changes may cause depression. It can make recovering from the accident even more challenging and will require mental health treatment.

Many car crash victims experience long-term emotional effects that don’t fade over time. You may have chronic anxiety or develop phobias related to driving. These things can quickly destroy your quality of life. If you were in a car accident and are experiencing emotional effects, it is imperative that you seek prompt treatment from a mental health professional. You should also speak with a personal injury attorney about your legal rights to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering.

What Are Your Legal Protections for Mental Health Issues Stemming from a Car Accident?

California law recognizes the impact that car accidents can have on a victim’s mental health. If you are suffering from emotional distress, you may be able to receive compensation under the state’s personal injury laws.

California’s personal injury laws allow for emotional distress to be compensated for as well as any long-term psychological impacts. This compensation may include the cost of your mental health therapy, medication expenses, and compensation for your overall pain and suffering.

However, you will need to prove that you have endured emotional distress from this event. It will require medical documentation of your treatment for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. You will also need to plan on having expert testimony to validate your claim. This is why it is essential that you seek legal representation to help you while you get the care that you need.

What Can an Attorney Do to Help with the Emotional Tolls of a Car Accident?

When you are hurt in an auto accident that was caused by another driver’s negligent behavior, you have the right to recover compensation. Your attorney can help you by gathering evidence, negotiating on your behalf, and presenting a strong case.

This also reduces your stress, allowing you to focus on getting better. You can find more information here about how to seek damages for pain and suffering after an accident.