Seeking Compensation for Emotional Distress Following a Car Accident

Car accidents devastate more than vehicles and bodies. They shatter emotional well-being in ways that can persist long after physical wounds heal. When you suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following a collision, these psychological injuries deserve the same recognition and compensation as broken bones or torn ligaments.

The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm understand that emotional distress represents a legitimate and compensable injury in Nebraska. Our team has secured multi-million dollar settlements for accident victims, including compensation for the psychological impact of traumatic crashes.

What Types of Emotional Distress Can You Claim After a Car Accident?

Nebraska law recognizes several forms of emotional distress that may warrant compensation following a car accident. These psychological injuries often develop immediately after the collision or emerge weeks later as the reality of the trauma sets in.

Post-traumatic stress disorder represents one of the most common forms of emotional distress after serious accidents. Victims frequently experience flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety when driving or even riding as passengers.

Common Symptoms of Accident-Related Emotional Distress

Recognizing the signs of emotional distress helps establish your compensation claim. Many accident victims dismiss psychological symptoms as temporary reactions, but these conditions often require professional treatment and significantly impact daily life.

The most frequently documented symptoms include:

• Persistent anxiety or panic attacks when driving or in vehicles
• Depression and withdrawal from social activities you previously enjoyed
• Sleep disturbances, including nightmares about the accident
• Inability to concentrate at work or complete routine tasks
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems with no medical cause

These symptoms can persist for months or years without proper treatment, affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life.

How Do You Prove Emotional Distress in a Personal Injury Claim?

Establishing emotional distress requires more than simply stating you feel upset or anxious after an accident. Nebraska courts require concrete evidence demonstrating the severity and impact of your psychological injuries on your daily life.

Medical documentation provides the foundation for any emotional distress claim. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, professional diagnosis and treatment records create credible evidence of your condition.

Building Your Case With Professional Documentation

Mental health professionals can diagnose and document your condition through clinical evaluations and ongoing treatment records. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists provide expert opinions about the connection between your accident and emotional symptoms.

Treatment records demonstrate the ongoing nature of your condition and the financial impact of seeking help. Regular therapy sessions, prescribed medications, and recommended treatments all contribute to calculating appropriate compensation for your suffering.

What Compensation Can You Receive for Emotional Distress?

Nebraska allows recovery for emotional distress as part of your overall personal injury claim. The amount depends on factors including the severity of your psychological injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the duration of your treatment.

Economic damages cover the financial costs of treating emotional distress, including therapy sessions, psychiatric consultations, and prescription medications. These concrete expenses are typically easier to calculate and prove than subjective suffering.

Non-Economic Damages for Psychological Suffering

Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible ways emotional distress affects your life. That includes pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the overall impact on your relationships and daily activities.

Factors that influence the value of emotional distress claims include the severity of the original accident, the extent of physical injuries, and how psychological symptoms interfere with work and personal relationships. More severe accidents often result in more substantial emotional distress awards.

Contact Knowles Law Firm for Help With Your Emotional Distress Claim

Emotional distress following a car accident deserves recognition and compensation just like any physical injury. The psychological impact of traumatic collisions can affect every aspect of your life, from work performance to personal relationships. Knowles Law Firm has 55 years of experience helping Nebraska accident victims secure fair compensation for all their injuries, including emotional distress. 
Our attorneys understand how to document psychological injuries, work with mental health professionals, and present compelling cases to insurance companies and courts. To discuss your emotional distress claim and learn about your legal options, call (402) 431-9000 or complete a contact form to schedule your consultation today.