Car accidents can change your life in an instant, not only physically but also emotionally, and mentally. While many people focus on physical injuries after a crash, the emotional impact can be just as serious.
Yes, car accidents can cause PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 39% of motor vehicle accident survivors experience some level of PTSD symptoms. It’s one of the most common causes of trauma-related stress disorders in the United States.
As the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Austin, TX we’ve seen firsthand how devastating PTSD can be for crash victims and their families. At Batrice Law Firm, our mission for the past 20 years has been to help clients recover not only financially, but emotionally because justice includes healing.
What Is PTSD After a Car Accident?
PTSD is a psychological condition that can develop after a traumatic experience like a serious vehicle collision. It doesn’t always appear right away. For many accident victims, symptoms begin weeks or even months after the crash.
You might notice:
- Nightmares or flashbacks about the accident
- Anxiety when driving or riding in a car
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feelings of fear, anger, or detachment
If these symptoms last longer than a few weeks, it’s important to seek professional help. PTSD is treatable, but acknowledging it is the first step toward recovery.
How Common Is PTSD After a Car Crash?
It’s more common than most people realize. We have found that 1 in 10 clients involved in traffic accidents develop PTSD symptoms. Those who suffer serious injuries or witness a fatality are at even greater risk.
At Batrice Law Firm, we’ve represented over a thousand clients who experienced emotional trauma after car crashes throughout Central Texas. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts and mental health professionals to ensure every part of your recovery, physical and emotional, is taken seriously and documented.
How PTSD Affects Your Personal Injury Claim
PTSD isn’t just a medical issue, it’s also a legal one. Emotional trauma is considered a compensable injury under Texas personal injury law. That means if another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Mental health counseling and therapy costs
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
Our Austin car accident lawyers have successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients whose emotional injuries were overlooked by insurance companies. We fight to ensure that PTSD is recognized as a serious, life-altering consequence of negligence.
How Do Lawyers Prove PTSD?
Proving PTSD in a personal injury claim requires evidence, just like a physical injury does. We work to build strong cases using:
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Therapy and counseling records
- Testimony from family, friends, or co-workers about behavioral changes
- Expert witnesses who can link PTSD symptoms to the car crash
At Batrice Law Firm, our team has over 40 years of combined experience winning complex car accident and psychological injury cases across Austin and Central Texas. We know how to connect the medical facts with the legal strategy that gets results.
How Long Car Accident PTSD Last?
PTSD recovery varies from person to person. Some people begin to feel better within months, while others may need long-term therapy or medication. According to the American Psychological Association, about half of people who develop PTSD recover within three months, but others may struggle for life without proper treatment.
If you’re still experiencing symptoms months after your accident, don’t ignore them. Getting legal and medical help early can make a big difference in both your emotional recovery and your personal injury case outcome.
Will Insurance Cover PTSD Treatment After a Car Accident?
In many cases, yes; but it’s not always easy. Insurance companies often push back on mental health claims, arguing that emotional distress is “subjective.”
That’s where having an experienced Austin personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. We help document your treatment, calculate the full cost of your care, and fight to ensure the insurance company pays what you deserve.
At Batrice Law Firm, we’ve successfully challenged unfair denials and secured compensation for therapy, psychiatric care, and medication for clients dealing with PTSD after car accidents.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have PTSD After a Crash?
Here’s what we recommend:
- See a doctor or therapist as soon as possible, even if your injuries are “only emotional.”
- Keep detailed notes about your symptoms, triggers, and how they affect your life.
- Avoid posting details online that insurance adjusters could use against you.
- Contact an experienced Austin car accident attorney who understands PTSD claims.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Legal and medical documentation go hand in hand when proving PTSD-related damages. At Batrice Law Firm, not only will we ensure your emotional distress is documented, we will also connect you to the resources you need to recover emotionally.
Why Choose Batrice Law Firm to Handle Your Case?
At Batrice, we’ve helped over 10,000 injured Texans recover fair compensation after devastating accidents. Our award-winning legal team, recognized as Best Law Firm in Austin 5 times, combines compassion, experience, and proven results.
We understand that trauma recovery takes time. Our job is to handle the legal stress so you can focus on your emotional healing and future stability.📞 Call Batrice Law Firm today at 512-600-1000 for a free consultation. Let us help you move forward after your accident with care, confidence, and justice on your side.
