When most people think about personal injury claims, they focus on the physical side of the case. However, the emotional side effects can be just as damaging as any injury sustained from an accident. These events are traumatic and understanding how they affect you emotionally is vital to your recovery. 

Types of Emotional Distress

Overwhelming negative emotions are common after an accident, often appearing in the form of mild mental illnesses that slowly progress into larger issues. When seeking compensation for these ailments, the law defines mental anguish as:

  • Shock
  • Fear
  • Grief
  • Worry
  • Anxiety
  • Embarrasment
  • Apprehension
  • Indignity
  • Humiliation
  • and Stress

The combination or even singular application of these afflictions often manifests as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s important to identify which of these ailments you are experiencing, but it’s vital that you also see a mental health professional for a diagnosis. 

Affecting Daily Life

These symptoms may start small, but they slowly overtake your ability to function in everyday life. You might find that your performance at work is slipping, that you’re terrified of getting behind the wheel again, or that you’ve simply lost interest in things you used to enjoy. 

The law firm of Jeremy Rosenthal also warns that your relationships with others might become strained as you distance yourself or become irritable. It isn’t uncommon for your changes in thinking or feeling to cause you to push others away. 

You might also find yourself developing phobias of the open road, other drivers, or driving in general. These can often lead to panic attacks when attempting to get back behind the wheel. Without psychological help, most people begin to numb their emotions and enter a deep depression. 

Seeking Help

Did you know that lawyers do more than just fight the legal side of your battle? Attorneys that help with personal injury cases in California have directed thousands of clients to medical professionals to seek the help they so desperately need. 

Your lawyer can recommend excellent psychologists, therapists, and more to help you through this difficult time. They can also seek compensation for your emotional trauma and mental anguish, as well as the cost of any treatment. 

Part of a personal injury attorney’s job is to help you get back on your feet after an accident. As a point of contact, you should rely on them to direct you towards therapy when needed. An experienced lawyer has worked with countless individuals suffering from mental anguish as the result of someone else’s negligence. That experience is invaluable as you begin recovery. 

The Journey Ahead

Recovering from emotional damage or trauma after an accident is a slow process. While it won’t happen overnight, your recovery can begin as soon as you allow a professional to diagnose you. Utilize your network of professionals, friends, and family during this time to help you get back on your feet.

In the meantime, you can rest easy knowing that your attorney is handling your case. The most important thing after an accident is your recovery. So, focus on healing and remember that compensation is on the way.