Motorcycle crashes can be sudden and traumatic and may lead to life-changing injuries. Due to the intensity of a bike accident, victims can develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD for short. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD after an accident, you might wonder how much compensation you can receive for your condition.
While there is technically no “average” settlement amount you can expect from your case, there are factors that can affect the compensation you receive. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Zanes Law are here to help you understand what goes into a settlement for PTSD after a motorcycle accident.
Factors That Affect PTSD Settlements for Motorcycle Accident Victims
As mentioned above, there are several factors that can affect how much money you receive from a motorcycle accident settlement for PTSD. Here are some of the things your attorney will consider when estimating how much compensation you’re owed:
Your Physical Injuries
Recovering compensation for PTSD can be difficult because it’s a psychological condition. Obtaining damages for physical injuries is simpler because they’re often visible and can be proven with medical bills and records.
Getting the compensation you need to cope with your PTSD will be easier if your psychological condition is connected to a physical injury. For instance, if you suffered brain damage or a spinal injury that led you to develop PTSD, your attorney will have more evidence to prove that you’re owed compensation.
If you didn’t sustain a physical injury, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to pursue compensation. Your attorney can also use other pieces of evidence, including a mental health counselor’s testimony, to get you the settlement you need to treat PTSD caused by a motorcycle accident.
Your PTSD-Related Treatment Bills
If you sought counseling for your motorcycle accident-related PTSD, a lawyer can use your bills as evidence for your case. An attorney may use records of any of the following treatments to get you the settlement you deserve:
- Counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist
- Prescription medications used to treat PTSD
- Emotional support animal documentation
- Documentation of alternative therapies and mental health treatments
A skilled lawyer can use these records to obtain the compensation you need to pay for your counseling and PTSD treatment expenses.
The Impact Your PTSD Has Had on Your Work Life
Your PTSD may prevent you from performing important duties and tasks that your job requires. If you’ve noticed minor issues or major problems in your work life that you believe are caused by PTSD, tell your attorney. A lawyer can recover compensation for any of the following work-related challenges:
- Lost wages
- Changes in your ability to fulfill workplace duties
- Decreased earning capacity
- Loss of future earnings
The more your work life has suffered, the more compensation you could receive. If a psychologist expects that your mental state will keep you from working for months or years, you could receive considerable damages for your reduced ability to work and earn a living.
How Your PTSD Has Affected Your Personal Life
PTSD from a motorcycle can also affect your personal life and relationships. If your psychological condition is straining your relationships and making it hard for you to connect with the people close to you, an attorney can help you seek financial support.
They can use your testimony, statements from your loved ones, and records from your mental health counseling sessions to recover compensation for the following hardships:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Serious accidents can take a massive toll on your mental health. If your motorcycle accident PTSD has affected your personal life, you deserve a settlement that accounts for the suffering you’re experiencing. Contact an attorney today to get the compassionate and reliable advocacy you need to manage your emotional well-being.
For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD From a Motorcycle Accident
Some motorcycle accident victims may be unfamiliar with the symptoms of PTSD and, consequently, may be hesitant to pursue a settlement for the negative mental health effects they’re experiencing. You may be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder if you notice any of the following signs:
- Easily startled
- Nightmares about the accident
- Flashbacks to the crash
- Always on the lookout for potential dangers
- Aggressive or angry behavior
- Anxiety about riding a motorcycle or driving
- Trouble focusing
- Trouble sleeping
These are just a few of the symptoms of PTSD you may experience after a bike crash. If you believe your accident has affected your mental health, we strongly encourage you to see a licensed counselor. They’ll be able to give you a concrete diagnosis and the documentation your attorney needs to obtain a fair motorcycle accident settlement.
Your Time to Pursue Compensation for Accident-Related PTSD is Limited
There are a lot of important things to do after a motorcycle accident. However, the most crucial step to take after a bike crash is to protect your health and get the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries. Once you’ve seen a doctor, you’ll want to contact an attorney immediately.
Hiring a lawyer ASAP will dramatically improve your chances of receiving a settlement for the PTSD and other setbacks caused by your motorcycle accident. That’s because Arizona has a filing deadline for vehicle accident lawsuits.
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, you have two years from the date of your collision to submit a civil suit. Failure to act fast could cause you to go uncompensated for the pain, financial losses, and mental health problems you’ve endured.
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Take the First Step Toward Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Dealing with physical injuries and mental health issues from a collision can be overwhelming. You’re probably experiencing a great deal of stress and pain that may prevent you from reaching out to a lawyer. Remember, hiring an attorney and getting started on your case soon can help you get the support you need to get your life back on track.
The attorneys at Zanes Law have represented hundreds of accident victims who have suffered from injuries and conditions like yours. Contact us today to get the help you need to obtain a settlement for PTSD caused by a motorcycle accident.
Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
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