What is mental trauma defined as?
Mental trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. A car crash is a terrible event that may cause a psychological or psychiatric injury.
How common is mental trauma after a car accident?
Common. According to a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) study, 39.2% of motor vehicle accident survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in the general population.
What types of mental injuries can occur after a car accident?
Mental injuries that can occur after a car accident include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental distress, emotional distress, and adjustment disorder (an emotional or behavioral reaction to the crash).
What are some symptoms of mental injuries after a car accident?
Symptoms of a mental injury after a car crash may include:
| Anxiety | Nervousness |
| Depression | Fear |
| Stress | Loneliness |
| Panic attacks | Mood swings |
| Shock | Embarrassment |
| Stress | Uneasiness |
| Anger | Fatigue |
What should I do if I am experiencing mental trauma after a car accident in Michigan?
You should seek medical attention. Mental injuries often carry a stigma that physical injuries do not. As a result, many people delay or avoid seeking treatment for mental injuries. Get help. Mental injuries can be as severe, if not more severe, than physical injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms of mental trauma after a car accident, get treatment.
Can I make a car insurance claim for a mental injury after a car accident?
Yes. If your doctor relates your mental injury to the car accident, you should make a Michigan no-fault claim. If approved, your auto insurance company will pay for your mental health treatment. To make a no-fault claim, you must submit an application for no-fault benefits to the correct auto insurance company within a year of the crash. In most cases, the “correct” insurance company will be your own insurance company, but not always. See other blogs on this website for more information regarding identifying the “correct” insurance company.
Can I make a pain and suffering claim if I suffered a mental injury from a car accident?
Yes. If you suffered a mental injury from a car accident and someone else was at fault for the crash, you likely have a claim for pain and suffering damages from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. To pursue this claim, you will need support from a medical professional relating your mental injury to the crash. The key here is that you will need medical support, which means you will need medical treatment for your injury. Treating gives you the best chance to recover from your mental trauma and obtain the documentation you need to support your claim.
If you suffered a mental injury from a car accident, call or contact Conybeare Law Office now.
A car accident is a traumatic experience. If you are experiencing mental health challenges after a crash, call us for help. Don’t battle the mental health, legal, and insurance issues alone. Uncertainty is one of the most frightening things about a car accident. It is difficult to know who to talk with and what to do. Having an experienced car accident attorney can help alleviate the stress and uncertainty following an accident.
The knowledgeable car accident lawyers at Conybeare Law Office will help you understand your rights so you feel like you are in control, and they will fight to get you the money you deserve.
To learn more about the legal services offered to our Michigan car accident clients, contact our office today. Conybeare Law Office has offices in Saint Joseph and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and proudly serves all southwest Michigan and beyond.
Call or contact us for a free consultation. Remember, if it’s not fair, call the bear.