Can You Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident?
Yes, you can seek compensation for PTSD after a car accident, though in legal terms it is generally referred to as mental anguish—both past and future. Mental anguish covers the emotional and psychological suffering caused by the accident, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other stress-related symptoms. While it is challenging to bring a claim for mental anguish alone without other supporting damages, it can be included as part of a broader personal injury claim when combined with physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage.
To successfully pursue a mental anguish claim, proper documentation is essential. Psychologists, therapists, and other mental health professionals can provide records, evaluations, and treatment recommendations that help demonstrate the severity of your emotional suffering. Courts and insurance companies generally require objective evidence to support the claim, which is why professional documentation is critical.
Compensation for PTSD and mental anguish can be recovered alongside other forms of damages, such as:
Past and future medical expenses – covering therapy, counseling, and any related treatment
Past and future pain and suffering – including emotional distress directly tied to the accident
Past and future physical impairment – for injuries sustained in the crash
Lost wages and future earning capacity – if your ability to work is affected
It’s important to understand that mental anguish claims are often evaluated in conjunction with physical injuries. Even if your PTSD symptoms are severe, insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim unless you have clear evidence linking your psychological distress to the car accident.
An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that all forms of damages—including mental anguish—are properly documented and presented. By gathering medical records, therapy notes, and expert testimony, your lawyer can help maximize your recovery and ensure that your PTSD and other emotional injuries are fully recognized as part of your car accident claim.
