PTSD after Motor Vehicle Accidents

Can a Car Accident Cause PTSD?

Yes. A traumatic motor vehicle accident can result in psychological symptoms, including symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

A collision can be frightening and overwhelming. A person may suddenly experience a situation in which they believe they are seriously injured or may not survive. Even when the physical injuries appear relatively minor, the psychological effects of the collision can continue long after the vehicles have been repaired.

PTSD is a recognized psychological condition associated with exposure to traumatic events. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic accident develops PTSD, and psychological symptoms can vary considerably from one person to another.

Symptoms can also develop immediately or become apparent later.

What Psychological Injuries Can Follow a Motor Vehicle Accident?

PTSD is only one possible psychological consequence of a traumatic collision.

Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may experience:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Anxiety;
• Depression;
• Persistent fear or distress;
• Panic or heightened alertness;
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Intrusive memories of the collision;
• Fear of driving or riding in a vehicle;
• Avoidance of roads, intersections or situations associated with the accident;
• Irritability or changes in mood;
• Changes in relationships with family members or friends; and
• Difficulty returning to normal activities.

A person does not need to experience every symptom to have a legitimate psychological injury. The nature, severity and duration of symptoms differ from person to person.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

A serious motor vehicle collision can be such an event. The accident may involve a sudden impact, serious injuries, the death or serious injury of another person, being trapped in a vehicle, or a reasonable fear of serious harm.

PTSD can involve a combination of symptoms affecting thoughts, emotions, behaviour and physical responses.

A qualified medical or mental health professional is responsible for assessing symptoms and determining whether a person meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

You should not attempt to diagnose yourself based solely on an online article.

Common Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident

PTSD symptoms can take different forms. Some people experience symptoms almost immediately after a collision, while others notice changes weeks or months later.

Intrusive memories

A person may repeatedly remember the collision or experience unwanted thoughts about what happened.

Nightmares and sleep problems

Some people experience nightmares involving the accident or have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Avoidance

Someone who was involved in a serious collision may begin avoiding driving, certain roads, intersections, traffic conditions or even being a passenger in a vehicle.

Fear and heightened alertness

A person may become unusually alert to traffic, vehicles, sudden noises or situations that remind them of the accident.

Changes in mood and thinking

Psychological trauma can also affect mood, concentration, confidence and relationships.

These symptoms can interfere with everyday life even when the person’s physical injuries are improving.

Fear of Driving After a Motor Vehicle Accident

One of the most noticeable effects of a traumatic collision can be a fear of driving.

A person who previously drove every day may suddenly feel uncomfortable getting behind the wheel. They may avoid highways, intersections, nighttime driving or heavy traffic.

In severe cases, a person may stop driving altogether.

This can have practical consequences. Driving may be necessary to get to work, attend medical appointments, take children to school, shop for groceries or participate in normal family activities.

When psychological symptoms interfere with these activities, the impact of the accident can extend well beyond the collision itself.

Can PTSD Affect Your Ability to Work?

Psychological injuries can affect a person’s ability to work.

Depending on the symptoms, an injured person may have difficulty concentrating, sleeping, interacting with coworkers, driving for work, performing certain tasks or maintaining the same level of productivity as before the accident.

Some people may require time away from work or modifications to their duties while they recover.

If a psychological injury causes an actual or potential loss of income or earning capacity, that financial impact may be relevant to a personal injury claim.

The specific damages available depend on the evidence and circumstances of the individual case.

Can PTSD Affect Your Family and Relationships?

The effects of a traumatic accident are not necessarily limited to the injured person’s time behind the wheel.

PTSD and other psychological injuries can affect relationships with spouses, partners, children, relatives and friends.

A person may become withdrawn, irritable, anxious or less willing to participate in family activities.

They may also avoid activities they previously enjoyed because those activities remind them of the accident or because they no longer feel safe.

These changes can be important evidence when assessing the overall impact of a psychological injury.

When Should You See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

If you are experiencing physical or psychological symptoms following a collision, you should discuss them with an appropriate healthcare professional.

This is important for your health and can also create contemporaneous medical documentation concerning your symptoms.

Do not assume that psychological symptoms are simply something you have to live with.

Tell your doctor what you are experiencing, including symptoms that may feel embarrassing or difficult to describe.

If your healthcare provider recommends treatment, counselling, therapy, medication, specialist assessment or another form of care, following that advice can be an important part of your recovery.

Why Medical Documentation Matters in a PTSD Claim

Psychological injuries can be more difficult to demonstrate than visible physical injuries.

There may be no X-ray, cast or surgical scar that clearly demonstrates the extent of PTSD.

Medical records can therefore be important evidence.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include:

• Records from your family doctor;
• Psychiatric assessments;
• Psychological assessments;
• Counselling or therapy records;
• Medication records;
• Functional limitations documented by healthcare professionals;
• Records concerning time away from work;
• Occupational or rehabilitation assessments; and
• Other evidence documenting changes in your functioning after the collision.

The appropriate evidence will depend on the nature of the injury and the circumstances of the claim.

What If PTSD Symptoms Did Not Appear Immediately?

Psychological symptoms do not necessarily appear immediately after a collision.

Some people initially focus on physical injuries, vehicle damage, insurance issues and returning to work. Psychological symptoms may become more noticeable later.

A delayed recognition of symptoms does not automatically mean that the symptoms are unrelated to the accident.

The medical evidence and circumstances of the individual case need to be considered when determining causation.

If you begin experiencing psychological symptoms after an accident, it is important to tell your healthcare provider when the symptoms began and how they have changed over time.

How Are Psychological Injuries Treated in a Personal Injury Claim?

In personal injury law, psychological injuries can form part of the overall injury claim.

The fact that an injury is psychological rather than physical does not automatically prevent a person from seeking compensation.

However, the existence, severity, cause and consequences of the psychological injury must be established through appropriate evidence.

A personal injury lawyer will generally look at the medical evidence together with the person’s history, functional limitations, work circumstances and other evidence when assessing the claim.

What Damages Can Be Associated With PTSD After a Car Accident?

The damages available in a personal injury claim depend on the facts and evidence of the particular case.

Depending on the circumstances, a claim involving PTSD or another psychological injury may involve issues such as:

• Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life;
• Medical and treatment expenses;
• Psychological counselling or therapy expenses;
• Past income loss;
• Loss of future earning capacity;
• Out-of-pocket expenses;
• Rehabilitation-related expenses; and
• Other losses supported by evidence.

These categories should not be assumed to apply to every claim. The appropriate assessment depends on the person’s injuries and losses.

How Is PTSD Valued in an Alberta Personal Injury Claim?

There is no fixed dollar amount for PTSD after a motor vehicle accident.

Two people can experience the same type of accident and have very different symptoms, treatment needs, functional limitations and long-term outcomes.

When assessing non-pecuniary damages, factors may include the nature and severity of the psychological injury, its duration, prognosis, impact on daily life and interaction with other injuries.

The assessment may also involve consideration of relevant Alberta case law involving comparable injuries.

A lawyer should assess the evidence rather than assigning a value based solely on a diagnosis or a general online settlement figure.

PTSD Can Occur Alongside Physical Injuries

Psychological and physical injuries frequently need to be considered together.

For example, someone may suffer a traumatic brain injury, whiplash, fractures or spinal injuries while also experiencing PTSD or another psychological condition.

The combined effects of multiple injuries can be more significant than considering each injury in isolation.

A proper personal injury assessment should therefore consider how all of the accident-related injuries affect the person’s life.

Can a Passenger Develop PTSD After a Car Accident?

Yes.

PTSD and other psychological injuries are not limited to the person who was driving.

Passengers can also experience traumatic psychological symptoms following a collision.

The same applies to pedestrians, cyclists and others involved in a traumatic motor vehicle collision.

Whether compensation is available depends on the circumstances of the accident, liability, insurance coverage and the applicable Alberta law.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have PTSD After an Accident?

If you believe you are experiencing PTSD or another psychological injury following a motor vehicle accident, consider the following steps:

1. Speak with a healthcare professional.
   Explain what happened and describe your symptoms.
2. Follow recommended treatment.
   Attend recommended appointments and follow appropriate treatment recommendations.
3. Keep records.
   Keep copies of medical records, treatment information, expenses and other documents related to your recovery.
4. Document changes to your life.
   Make note of changes to work, driving, sleep, recreation, family activities and everyday responsibilities.
5. Be honest about your symptoms.
   Do not minimize psychological symptoms simply because there is no visible physical injury.
6. Get legal advice when appropriate.
   A personal injury lawyer can explain how psychological injuries may fit into your overall claim.

Do Not Ignore Psychological Symptoms After a Collision

It is common for people to focus first on visible physical injuries after a motor vehicle accident.

Psychological symptoms can be easier to overlook.

If you are having difficulty sleeping, driving, concentrating or returning to your normal activities after a collision, those symptoms deserve attention.

Seeking appropriate medical care is important regardless of whether you eventually pursue a legal claim.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With a PTSD Claim

A personal injury lawyer can help determine whether the evidence supports including PTSD or another psychological injury as part of a motor vehicle accident claim.

This may involve reviewing medical records, treatment history, employment information, accident circumstances and other evidence concerning how the injury has affected your life.

A lawyer can also help identify the different categories of damages that may be relevant to the claim and communicate with insurers or opposing counsel on your behalf.

Importantly, the value of a claim should be based on the individual’s actual injuries and losses rather than an arbitrary settlement amount found online.

PTSD After a Motor Vehicle Accident: Frequently Asked Questions

Can a motor vehicle accident cause PTSD?

Yes. A traumatic motor vehicle accident can contribute to PTSD or other psychological injuries. A qualified healthcare professional should assess symptoms and determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Can PTSD be part of a car accident injury claim in Alberta?

A psychological injury such as PTSD may form part of a personal injury claim when the evidence establishes the injury and its connection to the accident. The circumstances of each claim must be assessed individually.

Can I claim compensation for anxiety after a car accident?

Anxiety and other psychological symptoms may be relevant to a personal injury claim when they are related to the accident and supported by appropriate evidence. The nature and extent of any compensation depends on the circumstances of the claim.

What if my PTSD symptoms appeared months after the accident?

Psychological symptoms can develop or become apparent after the initial accident. A delayed onset does not automatically determine whether the symptoms are accident-related. Medical evidence and the circumstances of the individual case are important.

Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to have a personal injury claim?

A particular diagnosis is not the only factor considered in a personal injury claim. The nature of the symptoms, medical evidence, causation, functional limitations and resulting losses can all be relevant. A healthcare professional should determine whether a person meets the criteria for PTSD.

Can fear of driving be part of my injury claim?

Fear of driving can be a symptom of psychological trauma following a motor vehicle accident. If it is connected to the accident and affects the person’s life, it may be relevant evidence when assessing the overall injury.

Can PTSD affect my ability to work?

Yes. Psychological symptoms can affect concentration, sleep, driving, productivity and a person’s ability to perform their normal duties. Where an accident-related psychological injury causes a proven income loss or loss of earning capacity, that loss may be relevant to a personal injury claim.

Can a passenger develop PTSD after a collision?

Yes. PTSD and other psychological injuries can affect passengers as well as drivers. The legal consequences depend on the circumstances of the collision and applicable Alberta law.

Should I see a doctor if I am experiencing psychological symptoms after an accident?

Yes. If you are experiencing psychological symptoms following a collision, discussing them with an appropriate healthcare professional is important for your health and recovery.

How much is a PTSD claim worth in Alberta?

There is no standard amount. The value of a claim depends on factors including the severity and duration of the psychological injury, prognosis, effect on daily life, treatment, employment consequences, other injuries and the available evidence.

Can PTSD be claimed together with physical injuries?

Yes. A person can have both physical and psychological injuries arising from the same collision. The overall effect of the injuries should be considered when assessing the claim.