Pre-Existing PTSD Made Worse by a Car Accident
Posted on: October 1, 2024
According to the National Library of Medicine, people who live through serious car accidents are at increased risk for psychological disorders like PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). This condition can also be caused by other traumatic events like cancer, domestic abuse, or being on military duty.
Clearly, it is possible for people to have pre-existing PTSD that is made worse by the trauma from a subsequent car accident. What happens when someone with this condition finds that their symptoms are worse after that happens?
Could I Be Traumatized a Second Time?
It is not unusual for PTSD patients to experience another trauma after the first one. Someone in this situation might experience severe distress, higher anxiety, and recurrence of symptoms that had started to wane. This can be especially concerning for people who have managed to overcome most of their symptoms.
Is PTSD a Pre-Existing Condition?
The concept of pre-existing conditions applies to prior physical injuries and illnesses that can be worsened by a motor vehicle accident. For example, someone with a previous traumatic brain injury, degenerative disk disease, or brittle bones could be vulnerable to more severe injuries in a car accident than someone who is in perfect health. The force of the impact could aggravate the pre-existing condition and cause significant complications.
This can also hold true for mental and emotional injuries, but it all depends on the circumstances. The science behind this is not the same as with physical injuries, so proving a claim is generally more challenging. It is possible to file an emotional distress/mental anguish claim, but separating the past and present symptoms and tracing them to the causal events is complicated. If successful, a claimant may be entitled to more compensation for their pre-existing PTSD.
How Can I Prove that My Pre-Existing PTSD is Worse from a Car Accident?
When you file a personal injury claim, the insurance provider will scrutinize your medical history for pre-existing conditions and may delay or deny benefits. A car accident lawyer might be your best resource for seeking compensation, but there are several things to be aware of:
- Full disclosure: Do not withhold any information when discussing your case with your lawyer. They will need to know when you were originally diagnosed and any other pre-existing conditions that might apply.
- Have detailed medical records: It is vital to have documentation regarding your pre-existing PTSD and current diagnosis.
- Follow the doctor’s orders: Your mental health provider may be able to share information about how the recent car accident exacerbated your PTSD. Attend therapy sessions and take prescribed medications to show that your condition is legitimate – and that you are doing everything possible to heal.
The Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Represent Clients with PTSD from Car Accidents
If your pre-existing PTSD was worsened by a recent car accident, the negligent party who caused the crash might be held liable for aggravating your condition. The compassionate and experienced Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law will explain all the options. Call our Freehold, New Jersey office at 732-308-0200 or submit our online form for a free consultation. We serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
