According to AAA Exchange, around 90 people lose their lives in vehicle crashes each day in the U.S.
Many others suffer serious injuries. If you lost a loved one or were hurt in a crash, you might consider suing. Most people focus on hospital bills, car repairs, and lost wages when seeking compensation.
Emotional pain, however, can weigh just as heavily. But can you sue for emotional distress after a car accident? You might also wonder how to prove your suffering and whether it holds value in court.
Understanding emotional distress and how the legal process works can help you take the right steps toward fair compensation. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Emotional Distress?
Emotional distress is the mental and emotional pain caused by a traumatic event such as a car accident. It’s one of the most common non-economic damages people suffer after a crash. You may experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Fear
- PTSD
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Trouble focusing
These effects can last for weeks, months, or even years. Emotional trauma can feel just as real and painful as a broken bone. But unlike cuts or bruises, you can’t see it on an X-ray, which makes it harder to prove.
Many victims seek emotional distress compensation as part of their personal injury case. If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone; legal help is available.
How Emotional Trauma Impacts Daily Life
Some car crash victims don’t feel the emotional toll until weeks or months later. You may be afraid to drive again, avoid people, or miss work due to fear or stress. Even after the body heals, many people struggle with emotional trauma for years.
Denial often plays a role, as some try to stay strong and push through without facing their feelings. Over time, that hidden pain builds and affects daily life.
Treatment for emotional trauma may involve:
- Therapy
- Medication
- Support groups
- Counseling
- Stress management techniques
- Lifestyle changes
Paying for all these things can be expensive. If you do not have the financial resources, you might forgo the necessary care to recover.
Seeking legal help allows you to cover those costs and focus on recovery. Filing a mental anguish lawsuit may feel tough, but it gives you the financial support needed to heal and move forward.
Legal Requirements to Sue for Emotional Distress
Courts require solid proof before awarding emotional distress compensation. Simply saying you feel anxious or upset may not be enough. You need to show that the accident happened because someone else was careless.
Also, you need to show that you suffered serious emotional trauma. You can prove emotional trauma by providing:
- Notes from therapists and doctors
- Prescription records for anxiety or depression
- Testimonies from coworkers and family
- Journal entries describing your feelings
- Statements from friends who saw your struggle
- Records of missed work due to emotional issues
Some states require a physical injury to file a mental anguish lawsuit. That’s why getting car accident legal advice is important.
Working with a reputable legal team like RHINO Lawyers can make a difference. Our attorneys help you understand if you have a claim.
They can estimate its value and gather proof for emotional distress and other damages. You can trust us to fight for fair compensation and speed up the process.
How Emotional Distress Affects Settlement Value
When you file a personal injury claim, emotional harm can raise your settlement value. Calculating the exact amount is difficult because emotional pain is not like a hospital bill with a clear cost. It is more personal and less measurable.
Insurance companies often try to minimize your suffering and focus only on physical injuries. An experienced lawyer can step in to show that your pain matters and deserves fair compensation.
The car crash settlement process will consider:
- Therapy costs
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Lifestyle changes
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
These factors affect the final payout. A skilled attorney can ensure all your damages, including emotional distress, are accounted for. That way, you get the full compensation you need to heal and move forward.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Sue for Emotional Distress
After a car collision, you might be hesitant to hire an attorney. Insurance companies often discourage individuals from seeking legal help. They may claim that personal injury lawyers only seek to earn fees and do not care about your case, but this is not the case.
Lawyers can be very important in car accident claims, especially when you want to sue for emotional trauma. They help make sure your suffering is taken seriously and that you get fair emotional distress compensation.
Guidance on Filing the Claim Paperwork
Filing a claim can be confusing and involve a lot of paperwork. A lawyer helps you understand the forms and deadlines.
They make sure your claim includes the needed information about your emotional trauma and physical injuries. Accurate paperwork increases your chances of success and prevents delays.
Help Negotiating the Settlement
Insurance companies often offer low settlements. A lawyer knows how to negotiate for a better amount.
They use evidence like medical records and witness statements to prove your emotional harm. Having an attorney can help you get a fair car crash settlement that covers your mental anguish and other damages.
Advice On When to Consider Going to Trial
Sometimes, insurance companies may not offer sufficient compensation. A lawyer helps you decide if going to court is the right move.
They explain the risks and benefits. If needed, they prepare your case and represent you in a trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Can You Sue for Emotional Distress? Consult an Attorney to Learn Your Options
Can you sue for emotional distress? Yes, and the right lawyer can guide you through the process. After a crash, emotional trauma matters as much as physical injury.
A skilled attorney helps prove your pain and fight for fair compensation. At RHINO Lawyers, we make your case personal. Our team uses fast, modern tools to match your style.
Brandon F. Jones, our Personal Injury Attorney and Sole Shareholder, brings over 14 years of accident experience. Contact us; we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
