The emotional impact of a car accident can be intense and long-lasting. Even minor accidents can trigger strong emotional responses, such as shock and fear. More serious accidents can lead to various emotional issues, including anxiety, depression and PTSD.
These mental health issues can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, socialize and perform everyday tasks. However, you may be entitled to get compensation for these damages.
Here are some tips to help you:
- Understand your insurance coverage: In California, the law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which can cover some of the costs associated with a car accident. Your health insurance policy may also cover mental health treatment.
- Consider hiring an attorney: Compensation from the other driver’s insurance company may also be possible, especially if you did not cause the car accident. However, insurance companies are not always cooperative when it is time to pay out claims. They may offer settlements that do not fully cover your losses—hiring an attorney specializing in personal injury cases to help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Keep records of all expenses: Mental health treatment can be expensive, and keeping careful records of all your costs related to the car accident is important such as your medical bills, prescriptions, transportation costs and lost wages if you must take time off work.
- Try not to wait to seek treatment: It is common for people to delay seeking mental health treatment after a car accident, either because they feel embarrassed or because they do not realize they need help. However, proving that your mental health issues are related to the car accident will be harder the longer you wait. Seek treatment immediately and keep detailed records of your symptoms and progress.
- Be prepared for a legal battle: Seeking compensation for mental health treatment can be a difficult and lengthy process. Insurance companies may dispute the severity of your injuries or argue that your mental health issues were preexisting. Prepare for a legal battle and work with your attorney to build a convincing case.
The emotional aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. It is important to take care of your mental health after what happened. Seeking compensation for your treatment can help alleviate your financial burden so you can focus on your recovery.