Can I Make a Claim for PTSD After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk driving accidents are traumatic and life-changing events that can leave lasting emotional scars. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, you may be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But can you claim PTSD after such an incident?

The short answer is yes. However, navigating the legal process and proving your PTSD claim can be challenging, and there are conditions.

Let’s delve into the steps you can take to make a successful claim for PTSD after a drunk driving accident and how a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can help you get the evidence you will need to support your case.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, natural disaster, war/combat, violence, or sexual assault.

With PTSD, intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event continue to haunt the individual long after it ended.

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Reliving the traumatic event 
• Disturbing thoughts, memories, or nightmares
• Intense distress when reminded of the trauma
• Avoiding reminders of the incident
• Negative changes in beliefs, thoughts, and feelings related to the event
• Exhibiting loss of interest, detachment, angry outbursts, or becoming startled easily
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

The symptoms must last more than a month and cause significant problems to qualify as a PTSD diagnosis. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD – it is usually diagnosed when the above symptoms cause disruptions and severe impact on the quality of life.

Drunk driving accidents are particularly prone to inducing PTSD due to the feelings of powerlessness, terror, and unpredictability involved. Receiving a PTSD diagnosis helps validate the mental anguish the accident has caused and forms the basis for seeking compensation through the legal system.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Can You Claim Compensation for PTSD?

Yes, it is possible to receive compensation for PTSD that results from a drunk driving accident. PTSD is considered a legitimate medical condition under personal injury law.

If an accident victim can prove their PTSD was directly caused by trauma suffered in an accident that was not their fault, they may be able to recover damages.

With help from a car accident lawyer in Phoenix, the liable party, whether it’s the at-fault driver themselves or their auto insurance—can be held responsible for paying certain costs.

How do I File a Personal Injury Claim for PTSD?

In order to make a successful claim for PTSD after a drunk driving accident, you will need to provide evidence of your diagnosis and how it has impacted your life. This may include medical records, therapy sessions, and statements from mental health professionals.

It is also important to document any expenses related to treatment for PTSD, such as therapy sessions, medications, and lost wages due to time off work.

A personal injury attorney in Phoenix can help you gather the evidence you need to build a solid claim and can help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

How do I Prove My PTSD Claim Is Legitimate?

When it comes to making a claim for PTSD after a drunk driving accident, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it is important to establish that the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a drunk driver.

In many cases, drunk driving accidents are clear instances of negligence, as driving under the influence is illegal and highly dangerous. 

The keys to pursuing PTSD compensation are:

• Obtaining an official diagnosis from a mental health professional
• Being able to demonstrate the accident was the triggering event

This may be done through medical records, eyewitness testimony, and accident details. This helps shift the burden of proof to the defendant to refute the claim’s merits. An experienced drunk driving accident attorney can use this information to build your legal claim.

With the right legal representation, victims of drunk driving accidents have successfully recovered monetary damages after establishing PTSD stemming from the life-altering trauma and fear caused by the irresponsible actions of others.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

How a Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a PTSD claim after a drunk driving accident can be an overwhelming process even without considering any legal issues. This is where hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.

A lawyer will guide the entire claims process from start to finish. We will gather critical evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness testimonies to build a strong case. We can also help find the right mental health experts to provide an official PTSD diagnosis and elicit testimony linking it to the accident.

Most importantly, a legal advocate can manage communications so the client does not have to face stressful negotiations alone. Our team strives to provide peace of mind that the claim is being handled with the best chance of success.

Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm to Discuss Filing a PTSD Claim Caused by a Drunk Driving Accident

If you are considering making a claim for PTSD and emotional distress after a drunk driving accident, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. Our legal team has helped many people in similar situations.

The Zanes Law team can help you understand your legal rights, help gather evidence, and build a solid legal strategy to recover the maximum compensation possible on your behalf.

If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, it is important to seek help and support from medical professionals and a drunk driving accident lawyer. By taking action to address your PTSD and make a compensation claim, you can work towards healing and recovering from the traumatic experience. Contact us today.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form