Car accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave victims with both physical injuries and profound emotional distress. While physical injuries like broken bones, cuts, and bruises are immediately apparent, pursuing emotional distress compensation after a car accident addresses the often-overlooked psychological impact. Emotional distress from such incidents can be as debilitating as physical harm, significantly affecting an individual’s quality of life for the long term.

What is Emotional Distress?

Emotional distress is a broad term used to describe the emotional and psychological responses that an individual experiences after a traumatic event, such as a car accident. Emotional distress can include fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, shame, and helplessness. It can manifest as physical symptoms like insomnia, nightmares, and flashbacks.

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Symptoms of Emotional Distress After a Car Accident

Following a car accident, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience emotional distress. Some of the most common symptoms of emotional distress after a car accident include:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotional response following a car accident. It can manifest as feelings of restlessness, irritability, and worry. Individuals may also experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sweating, and heart palpitations. Anxiety can prevent you from engaging in normal daily activities and may require treatment from a mental health professional.

Depression

Depression is another common emotional response following a car accident. It can manifest as sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in once-enjoyable activities. Physical symptoms of depression may include fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Depression can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and may require treatment from a mental health professional.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a traumatic event, such as a car accident. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, and a persistent sense of danger or fear. PTSD can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and may require treatment from a mental health professional.

Fear of Driving

After a car accident, some individuals may develop a fear of driving or riding in a car. This fear can be debilitating and can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. Treatment may include exposure therapy or other forms of behavioral therapy.

Emotional Numbness

Some individuals may experience emotional numbness after a car accident. This can manifest as a lack of emotions or a feeling of detachment from reality. Treatment may involve therapy or other forms of counseling to help individuals process their emotions and return to a state of emotional regulation.

Guilt

After a car accident, some individuals may experience feelings of guilt, especially if they believe they were at fault for the accident. These feelings of guilt can be debilitating and may interfere with an individual’s ability to move on from the accident. Treatment may involve therapy or counseling to help individuals process their emotions and move forward in a healthy way.

It is important to note that these emotional responses are normal following a car accident. However, if these symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, seeking help from a mental health professional may be necessary. At Crantford Meehan, we understand the impact of car accidents on an individual’s emotional well-being. We are dedicated to helping our clients get the support they need to recover physically and emotionally.

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Legal Options for Emotional Distress After a Charleston Car Accident

You may be entitled to compensation if you have been involved in a car accident and have experienced emotional distress. In South Carolina, the law recognizes emotional distress as non-economic damages people can claim in a personal injury lawsuit.

To recover damages for emotional distress, you must prove that the emotional distress was a direct result of the car accident. You can present evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Working with an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your emotional distress. An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

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Compensation for Emotional Distress

Compensation for emotional distress can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to losses that are not easily quantifiable, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

In South Carolina, there is no cap on non-economic damages, which means that the compensation you can receive for emotional distress is not limited by law. However, non-economic damages can be more difficult to quantify than economic damages, and it is important to work with a Charleston personal injury attorney who has experience valuing them.

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Contact Crantford Meehan for Help Today

If you have been involved in a car accident and are experiencing emotional distress, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. We will take the time to listen to your concerns and help you understand your legal options.

Remember, you are not alone. With the right support and guidance, you can overcome the emotional distress caused by a car accident and move forward with your life. Let our team of caring attorneys help you on this journey.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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You Deserve Justice for the Emotional Distress You Experience

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and is experiencing emotional distress, seeking help from a qualified professional is important. In addition to providing support and guidance, an experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for your damages.

At Crantford Meehan, we understand the impact that car accidents can have on your physical and emotional life. We are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation to help our clients through this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is emotional distress in a car accident case?

Emotional distress refers to the psychological impact of a traumatic event like a car accident. It includes feelings like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and fear, which may require professional treatment. It can significantly affect the victim’s quality of life.
Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a car accident in Charleston?

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress if it can be directly linked to the car accident. In South Carolina, emotional distress is recognized as a form of non-economic damages in personal injury lawsuits.
How do I prove emotional distress in a car accident case?

To prove emotional distress, you may need to provide medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony that link your emotional distress to the car accident. An experienced attorney can help gather this evidence.
What kind of compensation can I receive for emotional distress after a Charleston car accident?

Compensation for emotional distress can include both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical treatment costs, therapy, and pain and suffering. There is no cap on non-economic damages in South Carolina.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for emotional distress damages in Charleston?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including for emotional distress damages, is generally three years from the date of the accident.
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer for emotional distress damages in Charleston?

At Crantford Meehan, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not pay upfront. We only get paid if we win your case and secure compensation for you.