A car accident doesn’t just cause physical injuries. A crash can also leave behind psychological scars, and it’s not uncommon for accident victims to suffer from issues like anxiety. If you believe that you have developed anxiety after being involved in a car accident, you can file a claim and go after a negligent driver for damages. Our Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyers can help you.
Can I File a Claim for Anxiety in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, you can file a claim for anxiety if you have suffered from it as a result of your accident. Compensation in a case like this is not just meant to reimburse you for the direct costs of an accident, like medical bills or lost wages. Though these costs are important, a fair offer will also make up for anxiety and other mental health problems or pain and suffering that a victim experiences after an accident. It can be harder to quantify the cost of something like anxiety, but yours should still be recognized.
What Are Some Symptoms of Anxiety?
There are many ways that anxiety can manifest after an accident. You may experience:
- Physical symptoms, like hair loss or more frequent skin problems
- A fear of driving or being in vehicles
- A need to avoid anything that reminds you of the crash, like certain locations or roads
- Despair
- Feelings of being disconnected
- Relationship difficulties
- Addiction issues
- A temptation to harm yourself
If you suffer from any of these issues, that could be a sign that you have developed anxiety as a result of the crash. Our attorneys can help you sue for damages and make things right.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?
A lawyer cannot guarantee a certain outcome, but you can be sure that a member of our firm will help you fight for the best possible outcome in every way that they can. Your attorney can:
- Gather evidence needed to build your case
- Use the testimony of mental health experts to strengthen your case
- Handle all communications on your behalf
- Calculate fair compensation
- Prepare you to testify or speak at a deposition, if necessary
- Remind you of any important dates or deadlines
- Answer any questions you have
- Prepare a case that can win in court
An attorney can also defend you from any accusations of fault or wrongdoing. This is particularly important because of Washington, D.C.’s contributory negligence statute. If you are found to be even one percent at fault for the accident, then you cannot recover damages. An insurer on the defense will commonly try to pin some of the blame on the driver suing them in an effort to get out of paying compensation. A lawyer from our firm will do their best to shut that strategy down.
Schedule Your Consultation
So if you have suffered anxiety or other mental health issues as a result of a car accident, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. Schedule your free consultation and learn more about what our lawyers can do to assist you.
