The Unseen Toll - Suing for PTSD and Emotional Distress After a San Antonio TX Car Accident

Big cities tend to be epicenters for motor vehicle accidents, and San Antonio is no exception. In 2024, the city reported nearly 40,000 crashes that killed 170 people and seriously injured 686 more. These accidents cause more than physical injuries - the emotional and mental toll can also be substantial. Emotional distress and mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can linger long after the physical wounds have healed.

Emotional distress affects a person’s quality of life in various ways. The San Antonio TX lawyers at Carabin Shaw help accident victims seek damages to cover all their accident-related expenses, including therapy, medication, and other treatments for emotional distress. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to schedule a free case review in English or Spanish. Call us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

Emotional distress can present with a wide range of symptoms, such as:

• Inability to focus and concentrate
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression and anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Irritability and mood changes
• Loss of enjoyment in activities
• Withdrawal from relationships

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic incident like a car crash. One study found nearly 50% of people suffered at least three severe PTSD symptoms after surviving an accident. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories
• Avoidance behaviors
• Negative changes in mood and thoughts
• Irritability or reckless behavior

These symptoms can appear soon after the accident, but may not surface until weeks or even months later. PTSD and emotional distress can significantly impact your ability to function, presenting challenges at home, work, and in your relationships. When you consult with a personal injury attorney, you can discuss the emotional impact of your accident to determine whether to include it in your claim.

Texas follows the impact rule, which allows accident victims to seek damages for emotional distress if they also suffered physical harm in the accident. The state does not recognize standalone claims for negligent infliction of emotional distress when no physical injury occurred. To include your emotional distress claim, your lawyer must show that the distress is directly tied to your bodily injuries or manifests with physical symptoms.

Suing for emotional distress after a car accident requires proof of your psychological condition. Possible evidence used in these cases might include:

• Documentation of mental health care visits
• A journal that tracks your emotional state and symptoms
• Statements from family and friends attesting to mood or behavior changes
• Documentation of how the emotional distress has impacted your life

Your personal injury attorney will help you gather necessary evidence to strengthen your case and maximize your damages. In addition to the evidence, factors that could affect your case and damages might include:

• Pre-existing mental health conditions
• Severity of the accident
• When your psychological symptoms began
• Connection between physical and psychological injuries

When you are struggling with physical and emotional pain, the last thing you need to worry about is gathering evidence and meeting legal deadlines. When you enlist the services of Carabin Shaw, we handle the details of your case so you can focus on what’s most important - your health and recovery. We help accident victims navigate the challenges of the legal process, explaining each step and protecting their rights throughout the process.

Some accident victims hesitate to talk to a lawyer due to worries over cost. At Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no money until we settle your case. Research also shows that working with a car accident lawyer in San Antonio TX, results in higher damages for accident victims. Check our client reviews to see how we’ve maximized damages for other victims like you.

A car crash is a frightening event that can leave you with severe, long-lasting injuries. Make sure you hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and pursue all the damages you are entitled to under the law. Contact Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to book your FREE consultation and work with the best attorneys in Texas.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• NCBI
• Cornell Law
• LSD LAW