In the aftermath of a car accident, the physical injuries often grab the most attention. However, the emotional toll of an accident can also be significant. Emotional distress is a real and serious consequence of many accidents, and it can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you can seek compensation for emotional distress. Below we will take a closer look at what emotional distress is, how it might apply in the context of a car accident, and how to pursue a claim.
What Is Emotional Distress?
Emotional distress refers to the mental suffering or emotional pain someone experiences due to an incident. This can include feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological effects that interfere with day-to-day functioning. After a car accident, these emotional effects can be long-lasting, making it difficult to return to normal life. Emotional distress can sometimes be more debilitating than physical injuries, and it’s important to take it seriously when pursuing a claim for damages.
Can You Sue For Emotional Distress In A Car Accident Case?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to sue for emotional distress after a car accident. However, to successfully win an emotional distress claim, there are several factors to consider. A key point to understand is that emotional distress claims typically require showing that the emotional pain is directly linked to the accident and not just a general reaction to the stressful situation.
In many cases, emotional distress claims are included as part of a broader personal injury case. If you were physically injured in the accident, you could file a claim for both the physical injuries and the emotional distress that resulted from those injuries. In some cases, even if there are no physical injuries, emotional distress alone could form the basis of a claim if the mental suffering is severe enough.
How Much Can You Get For Emotional Distress?
The amount of compensation you can receive for emotional distress varies greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your emotional injuries. Factors that can affect your settlement include the severity of your emotional distress, the impact on your personal and professional life, and the physical injuries you sustained in the accident.
While it’s difficult to predict an exact amount, your car accident lawyer can help guide you through the process and estimate what kind of compensation you might expect based on the specifics of your case.
Pursue A Claim For Compensation
If you’ve experienced emotional distress after a car accident, you may have the right to pursue a compensation claim. Proving emotional distress can be more challenging than proving physical injuries, but with the right evidence and legal support, it is possible to recover damages. Attorneys like those at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can provide the guidance and expertise needed to evaluate your case and help you take the necessary steps to seek justice. If you’re facing emotional distress after a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional to explore your options and understand your rights.
