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If you have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a terrifying motorcycle accident, you could qualify for compensation in a personal injury claim.
If you think you have PTSD after an accident, you should consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Hiring an attorney with experience riding a bike could benefit your case.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD is a stress disorder in which individuals often have difficulty recovering from a traumatic or frightening experience. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), fear is a natural emotion that can trigger many changes in the human body. This is part of the “fight-or-flight” response that protects us from danger.
PTSD triggers feelings similar to what you feel during a traumatic event. You may be frightened, anxious, or feel the need to escape. These feelings are very normal when there is a real danger. However, those with PTSD will continue to experience these emotions and sensations even when there is no danger.
What Are the Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
According to the Mayo Clinic, common PTSD symptoms include:
- Recurrent, intrusive memories of the traumatic event
- Nightmares or flashbacks of the event
- Severe emotional or physical reactions to something that reminds the victim of a traumatic event
- Depression
- Avoidance of things or people that remind the victim of the event
- Detachment from personal relationships
- Lack of interest in activities the victim previously enjoyed
- Being easily frightened
- Extreme anger
- Aggressive or self-destructive behavior
- Insomnia
- Overwhelming shame or guilt
Who Can Experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
People generally think of PTSD as a disorder associated with war. While it is true that many who have been exposed to combat will experience PTSD, any trauma can cause a person to have this disorder.
PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced something traumatic, shocking, scary, or dangerous. There is no accurate way to predict who will or won’t develop PTSD. Getting through one or more traumas in your life without creating any issues does not mean that another event won’t cause you PTSD.
How Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosed?
For an official diagnosis of PTSD, you would need to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist. They can analyze your symptoms and determine whether you are suffering from PTSD.
What Damages Are Available in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible for several types of damages. These are generally divided into two categories:
Economic Damages
These damages are financial and easy to quantify, as you can prove them with bills, pay stubs, and receipts. The economic damages you may be eligible for in a motorcycle accident claim include:
- Medical bills, including prescription medicines, medical equipment, surgeries, doctor’s visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and more
- Lost wages, including any bonuses, commissions, or tips you could not earn while you were recovering from the accident
- Property damage, including the bills you had to pay to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages describe the non-financial ways your motorcycle accident has affected your life. This is where PTSD comes in. In addition to PTSD, the non-economic damages you may qualify for include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Inconvenience
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
While it’s difficult to put a dollar value on PTSD and other non-economic damages, your motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine the value of these damages and add them to your personal injury claim.
After your lawyer adds up all your economic and non-economic damages and assigns them a value, that is the amount you will request from the at-fault party or their insurance party in your claim or lawsuit.
Who Can Talk to if I Need Help Because I Have PTSD Due to a Motorcycle Accident?
Obtaining a fair settlement for injuries after a motorcycle accident can be challenging. It can be even tougher if you can’t visibly see some of your wounds. However, it certainly does not mean that they don’t exist. If you are facing PTSD due to a motorcycle accident, call our office at Schiller & Hamilton.
At Schiller & Hamilton, our attorneys will take your case seriously. We have attorneys on staff with experience in motorcycle accident cases. Contact us today and take advantage of a free, no-obligation case review. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Let us help you seek damages and look forward to a better tomorrow.