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Don’t overlook psychiatric injuries after an accident

A serious accident can often cause obvious physical injuries. For instance, you might have broken bones, severe lacerations or a brain injury. While it is undoubtedly vital to treat these conditions right away, it is also crucial to pay attention to possible emotional and mental conditions that an accident might cause.

Types of psychiatric injuries

Injuries to a person’s mental health and wellness have several names, from emotional distress to psychiatric injuries. Whatever you might call them or hear others call them, they can profoundly impact your life after an accident.

Some of these injuries that people report most often after an incident like a car crash include:

  • Emotional distress
  • Travel anxiety
  • Mood disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Depression
  • Nightmares, insomnia and other sleep disruptions
  • Withdrawal from social situations and other people
  • Changes in personality

These injuries can be common and disabling, so it is crucial to be aware of these conditions and discuss them with your doctors. Medical professionals can order testing, treatment and medication to help you through recovery.

Providing evidence in a legal claim

After a crash, it is crucial not to overlook or minimize the psychiatric impact it can have on you. Even if you cannot see these injuries, the emotional toll can disrupt your life, prevent you from working and affect relationships with people you love.

A legal claim can help you recover financial compensation for these and other damages suffered in an accident. However, you must have evidence illustrating the existence and severity of psychiatric injuries. 

Evidence that can support a legal claim can include:

  • Medical records
  • Testimony from psychiatrists and psychologists
  • Personal statements
  • Medication and treatment records

These details will play a critical role in a legal claim, so be sure to retain or collect any documentation related to your care after a crash. And if your doctor recommends a treatment or refers you to a specialist, take these seriously. Ignoring or delaying care for mental health conditions could suggest that they are insignificant.

Too many people minimize the extent to which emotional distress can affect someone after a crash, including doctors, victims and insurance companies. 

You can prevent this and get the care and compensation you deserve by understanding psychiatric injuries and advocating for yourself and your mental health.