Motorcycle accidents can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, according to a journal in Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, studies show that around one-fourth to one-third of motor vehicle accident survivors develop PTSD symptoms within 30 days of their collision.
If you or a loved one were in a motorcycle accident in Indiana, you may experience PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues in addition to physical injuries. Our firm can help you seek the financial compensation you need to pay for medical care, therapy, medications, and more.
PTSD Stems From Traumatic And Life-Threatening Experiences
According to MedlinePlus, some people develop PTSD after they experience or witness a traumatic or life-threatening event, like a vehicle accident, natural disaster, or sexual assault. PTSD can also result from the sudden or unexpected loss of a loved one. Doctors do not understand why some people get PTSD and others do not, though risk factors for the condition include:
- Previous childhood trauma
- History of mental illness or substance abuse
- Having little to no support following your traumatic event
- Prolonged trauma
- Coping with additional stress after your accident, such as a physical injury or loss of a loved one
- Your sex (women are more likely to develop PTSD than men)
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PTSD Symptoms And Treatment
PTSD causes many symptoms that can interfere with your life and occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression and insomnia. According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Intrusive and obsessive thoughts about your accident
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance of people, places, events, and objects that remind you of your accident
- Memory loss surrounding your accident
- Irritability and angry outbursts
- Negative thoughts and feelings about yourself or others
- Self-blame and feelings of guilt
- Detachment from others
- Disinterest in activities
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior
- Ongoing feelings of fear and horror
- Difficulty sleeping
- Becoming overly watchful, suspicious, or easily startled
Mayo Clinic advises you to seek treatment if your PTSD symptoms are severe or last longer than four weeks. Treatment options include:
- Exposure therapy uses images or virtual reality programs to expose you to your trauma. The therapy works by repeatedly triggering your symptoms, allowing you to learn to cope with your memories, fear, and distress in a safe, controlled environment.
- Cognitive therapy helps survivors face trauma by talking through their experiences. Cognitive therapy also teaches techniques for recognizing and dealing with negative feelings and emotions.
- Group therapy allows individuals with PTSD to talk through their traumatic events with others who have similar or shared experiences.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements that can help survivors process their trauma and change their reactions to traumatic memories.
- Prescription drugs, including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, may be used alone or in combination with other PTSD treatments.
You Can Seek Financial Compensation For PTSD
Motorcycle accidents can be scary, and the actual or perceived threat of death or bodily harm experienced during a crash can cause PTSD. You can also develop PTSD after the sudden or violent loss of a loved one due to a motorcycle accident injury.
If you or a family member were involved in a collision resulting in physical or mental health problems, our personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation from the at-fault driver or other liable parties. Awards may include:
Non-Economic Compensation
Non-economic compensation awards accident victims for physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish. Complications from PTSD would fall under this umbrella. You may also seek non-economic compensation, sometimes called pain and suffering damages, for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Loss of mobility or paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of cognitive functioning
- Loss of a limb or body part
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your loved one suffered a fatal motorcycle accident injury, you may qualify for non-economic compensation for PTSD caused by their death and the loss of their love and companionship.
Economic Compensation
Economic compensation includes the cost of your current and future accident-related medical treatment and other out-of-pocket expenses. Our injury attorneys near you can help you pursue recovery for:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency treatment
- Hospitalizations
- Medical procedures
- Therapy and services for the treatment of PTSD, depression, and other mental health complications
- Medications
- Medical devices or equipment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- The cost of fixing or replacing your motorcycle
You may recover certain economic damages, including medical costs and funeral and burial expenses, on behalf of a deceased loved one with a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
You must pursue compensation before time runs out. According to IC § 34-23-1-1, you have two years from your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana. According to IC § 34-11-2-4, you have two years from your loved one’s passing to pursue a wrongful death action.
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Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. Represents Injured Motorcyclists
Our firm focuses on helping personal injury victims secure the compensation they need and deserve. We can fight for you and take your case on contingency. Contact Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation.
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