Can You Sue for Emotional Distress or PTSD After an Accident?

Car accidents are not only physically damaging; they can also leave lasting psychological scars. For many Pennsylvania residents, the trauma doesn’t end when the wreckage is cleared from I-95 or Route 30. Victims often suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. If you've experienced these symptoms, you may be wondering: Can you sue for emotional distress or PTSD after an accident?

The answer is yes, but emotional injuries can be more challenging to prove than physical ones. Understanding your rights and how to pursue a claim for psychological trauma is essential. Here's what you need to know about filing an emotional distress lawsuit in Pennsylvania and seeking trauma compensation with the help of a skilled attorney.

What Are Emotional Distress and PTSD?

Emotional distress refers to the psychological impact of an event, such as a car crash, that causes significant mental suffering. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a specific mental health condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. After a severe accident on Roosevelt Boulevard or the Schuylkill Expressway, victims may struggle with:

• Flashbacks or nightmares about the accident
• Avoidance of driving or riding in vehicles
• Panic attacks when passing the accident location
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Persistent anxiety, sadness, or irritability

PTSD is a recognized mental health condition that can be diagnosed by a medical or psychological professional. In Pennsylvania, victims who suffer PTSD after a car accident may be eligible to seek compensation for their mental and emotional suffering.

Can You Sue for Emotional Distress After an Accident?

In Pennsylvania, accident victims can file personal injury claims that include both physical and emotional damages. These claims are not limited to visible injuries like broken bones or head trauma. If you can prove that your emotional distress is a direct result of the accident and that it has affected your quality of life, you may be able to recover compensation.

There are two main ways emotional distress can be included in a personal injury case:

• As part of a physical injury claim: If you suffered both physical injuries and psychological trauma, your emotional distress can be included in your overall damages.
• As a stand-alone claim: In rare cases, even without a physical injury, a victim may pursue a claim solely for emotional harm. These claims typically require strong evidence, such as a PTSD diagnosis, medical treatment, and expert testimony.

What You Need to Prove in a Trauma Compensation Case

To successfully pursue a claim for trauma compensation in Pennsylvania, you will need to show:

• That the defendant was negligent (e.g., a driver who ran a red light near Broad Street or caused a crash on I-76)
• That the accident caused you to suffer mental or emotional harm
• That your emotional distress has had a significant impact on your daily life

Evidence to support your emotional distress lawsuit in Pennsylvania may include:

• Mental health records: Documentation of therapy, psychiatric evaluations, or prescriptions.
• Expert testimony: Statements from psychologists or psychiatrists who can confirm the severity of your condition.
• Personal testimony: Your own detailed accounts of how PTSD or emotional distress affects your life.
• Witness statements: Accounts from family, friends, or coworkers describing changes in your behavior or mood.

Why You Need a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer

Emotional distress and PTSD claims are often complex and require careful legal guidance. Insurance companies may downplay psychological injuries or argue that they were preexisting conditions. A skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you build a compelling case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Whether your accident occurred near Center City, on Route 202, or in a rural part of the state, a dedicated attorney can navigate Pennsylvania law to ensure your voice is heard.

Contact Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson Today

If you're suffering from PTSD after a car accident in Pennsylvania or struggling with emotional trauma, you have the right to pursue justice. Our knowledgeable Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you file an emotional distress lawsuit in Pennsylvania and seek the trauma compensation you need to begin healing.

Call Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson at (215) 731-9900 today for a free consultation and get the support you deserve.