Yes, you can get PTSD from a motorcycle accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by any traumatic event that you experience or even witness.
Everyone reacts to trauma differently. Not everyone who experiences a motorcycle accident gets PTSD. The outcome of each motorcycle accident may be different depending on the severity of the accident and the person who experienced it.
If you developed PTSD after a motorcycle accident, it may be considered an accident-related injury. Furthermore, if another party was at fault for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your PTSD-related expenses in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
Understanding PTSD
According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Flashbacks
- Feeling anxious
- Having nightmares
- Recurring thoughts of the incident
- Avoiding discussing the incident
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
If you are experiencing these symptoms weeks or months after your motorcycle accident, you may have PTSD. PTSD can be triggered by stress or events similar to those that caused it.
If you believe you have PTSD, you should see a doctor for an evaluation. They may be able to provide you with medications, connect you to a psychotherapist, or offer other forms of treatment.
Motorcycle Accidents Claims and PTSD
PTSD after a motorcycle accident is more common than people realize. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PTSD “frequently” occurs as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
Because PTSD is a condition you can get from a motorcycle accident, it may be included in a personal injury insurance claim. If another party’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, they may be liable for all of your accident-related damages, including PTSD.
Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Case
When you are in a motorcycle accident, the costs can add up quickly. Even if you have very few expenses from the damage to your vehicle and the physical injuries you sustained, a motorcycle accident’s emotional distress can be even more costly.
In general, the following damages may be available in a motorcycle accident case involving PTSD:
Medical Expenses
PTSD can result in medical expenses. Getting treatment for PTSD can include counseling, therapy, and potentially hospital stays. Other injuries in a motorcycle accident, such as broken bones or road rash, may also be included in a personal injury claim.
Loss of Income
If you suffer from PTSD, you might have to take time off work due to your symptoms. You might also have to take time from work to get treatment for PTSD. Lost income such as this may be recoverable damage in your case.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is any physical or emotional pain you endure due to your accident. If you qualify, pain and suffering related to PTSD may be included on your personal injury claim.
Working with a Lawyer on Your Case
You do not have to fight for compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries alone. If you qualify, a personal injury lawyer may be able to handle all aspects of your case. This may include:
- Investigating your accident to identify the liable party
- Collecting evidence of their liability
- Collecting evidence of the value of your damages
- Communicating with other parties for you
- Filing your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
- Negotiating with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Taking your case to trial
The Deadline to Sue in New York
According to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Waiting longer than this to take legal action could mean that your lawsuit gets dismissed.
PTSD can take months, if not years, to become evident. If you believe that your motorcycle accident caused your PTSD, you should consider taking legal action as soon as possible.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in New York may be able to help you fight for compensation after a motorcycle accident caused your PTSD. As a full-service law firm, we can manage all of the legal work in your case while you focus on your recovery. Our service areas include New York City, Long Island, and New York State up to Albany.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. If you qualify, we may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis with nothing due upfront to start.