Kathryn MacDonell
Chief Executive Officer
Kathryn is Trilby Misso’s Chief Executive Officer.
Meet KathrynYes, psychological injuries after a car accident may form part of a motor vehicle injury claim if they are connected to the crash and supported by medical evidence. Anxiety, trauma symptoms, sleep problems, driving fear and post-traumatic stress symptoms can affect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcycle riders and others involved in a serious crash. If you have been injured physically or psychologically, you may be able to pursue a motor vehicle injury claim.
What Psychological Injuries Can Happen After a Car Accident?
Not every injury after a crash is visible. Some people experience psychological symptoms immediately, while others notice changes days or weeks later.
Possible psychological effects may include:
- Anxiety
- Panic while driving or travelling as a passenger
- Sleep disturbance
- Flashbacks
- Low mood
- Avoidance of roads or intersections
- Stress when returning to work or normal routines
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Psychological injuries can occur after many types of road accidents, including:
Do I Need Medical Evidence?
Yes. Medical evidence is important in any psychological injury claim.
You should consider speaking with a GP if you are experiencing symptoms after a crash. A doctor may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other treating practitioner if needed.
Medical records may help show:
- When symptoms began
- How the crash affected your mental health
- Whether treatment is required
- How symptoms affect work, driving, sleep or daily activities
- Whether the psychological injury is linked to the accident
The earlier symptoms are documented, the clearer the medical history may be.
Can I Claim If I Also Have Physical Injuries?
Yes. Many people experience both physical and psychological injuries after a motor vehicle accident.
For example:
- A passenger with whiplash may also develop anxiety about travelling in cars.
- A pedestrian hit by a vehicle may have physical injuries and ongoing trauma symptoms.
- A motorcycle rider may experience pain, mobility issues and psychological distress after the crash.
- A truck accident may cause both physical injuries and fear of returning to the road.
A motor vehicle injury claim may consider the overall impact of the accident, depending on the circumstances and available evidence.
What Should I Do If I Feel Anxious After a Crash?
If you feel anxious, distressed or unlike yourself after a car accident:
- See a doctor.
- Tell the doctor the symptoms started after the crash.
- Keep records of appointments and referrals.
- Follow recommended treatment.
- Avoid minimising symptoms if they are affecting your life.
- Keep a simple record of how symptoms affect driving, work and sleep.
Psychological symptoms are common after traumatic road events, but they should still be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for PTSD after a car accident?
Potentially, yes. A diagnosed psychological injury such as PTSD may be relevant to a claim if it is linked to the motor vehicle accident and supported by medical evidence.
What if I only started feeling anxious weeks after the crash?
Delayed symptoms can happen. You should seek medical advice and explain when the symptoms began and how they relate to the accident.
Can passengers claim for psychological injuries?
Potentially, yes. Passengers may experience psychological injuries after a crash, even though they were not driving.
Related Information
- Motor Vehicle Injury Claims
- I Was a Driver in a Car Accident
- I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident
- I Was a Pedestrian in a Car Accident
- Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- No Win No Fee Lawyer
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Your next step is a small one, but don’t delay
Your next step is a small one. All you need to do is give us a call on 07 3910 5470 or complete this form here to arrange a quick chat.
During this initial conversation, we will:
- Have a chat about your circumstances.
- Give you an approximate indication of your eligibility for compensation.
- Explain, in simple terms, how our process works. We will answer any questions you have about fees, the legal process, and anything else you’re unsure about relating to your circumstances.
We understand that taking legal action can be stressful, and we’ll do all we can to ease your concerns.
The chat can take place at our place, your place, or by phone. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
Call 07 3910 5470 or fill out this form, and we’ll get back to you within 2 hours (during business hours). We look forward to meeting you.
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