After a serious car accident, most people focus on physical injuries. Cuts, broken bones, or whiplash often require immediate medical attention. But emotional trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can linger long after physical wounds begin to heal. PTSD is a very real condition that affects many car accident victims, and yes, under California law, you can sue for PTSD after a car accident.
While emotional injuries are often more challenging to prove, that does not mean they are any less valid. A PTSD claim can be pursued in a personal injury case, and victims may be entitled to compensation for therapy, lost wages, and the disruption to their daily life. This guide will walk you through how these claims work, the evidence needed, what kind of settlement you can expect, and how a lawyer can help.
What Is PTSD and How Does It Relate to Car Accidents?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In the context of car accidents, PTSD is not uncommon. Even a seemingly minor accident can trigger severe psychological distress, especially if the person thought they were going to die or saw someone else injured.
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Nightmares or flashbacks of the crash
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Avoidance of driving or riding in cars
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
For some victims, these symptoms can begin days or weeks after the accident and persist for months or years. In many car accident cases, the psychological trauma is more debilitating than any physical injury like Traumatic brain injuries
In California, PTSD caused by another person’s negligence may qualify for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. To build a strong case, victims must show that the accident directly caused their emotional suffering.
Can You Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident in California?
Yes. California personal injury law allows victims to pursue compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. PTSD falls under this category.
To succeed in a PTSD settlement car accident claim, you generally need to prove:
- Negligence – Another party caused the accident through careless or reckless behavior.
- Causation – The accident resulted in your PTSD or emotional distress.
- Damages – You suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills for therapy or reduced quality of life.
A PTSD lawsuit can be filed even if the victim does not have visible injuries. However, cases are often stronger when PTSD accompanies physical injuries, such as a broken bone or head trauma. Regardless, clear documentation and a professional diagnosis are essential.
Courts and insurance companies take emotional distress seriously when supported by proper evidence. That is why it is critical to speak with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles who understands how to present these claims.
Types of Evidence That Support a PTSD Claim
One of the biggest challenges in PTSD settlement car accident cases is the invisible nature of the injury. Unlike a broken leg, PTSD cannot be seen on an X-ray. This means your legal team must rely heavily on medical and testimonial evidence.
Here are some of the most essential pieces of documentation that can support your case:
- Formal PTSD diagnosis by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist
- Treatment records, including therapy notes, medications prescribed, and length of care
- Personal journals documenting daily symptoms, emotional struggles, and changes in lifestyle
- Statements from friends, family, or coworkers noting how your behavior changed after the accident
- Work records showing missed days, performance declines, or inability to return to your role
An experienced lawyer will help organize and present this information effectively. The stronger your evidence, the more likely you are to receive a fair PTSD settlement after your car accident.
Average Settlement for PTSD After a Car Accident
There is no fixed amount for a PTSD settlement. Like most personal injury claims, the amount you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition and the overall impact on your life.
While some PTSD claims settle for a few thousand dollars, others reach six figures. Factors that influence the value of a PTSD settlement car accident case include:
- Severity and duration of the condition
- Type and cost of mental health treatment required
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Extent of life disruption, such as inability to drive, socialize, or care for family
- Any accompanying physical injuries or surgeries
- Insurance policy limits of the liable party
Some high-value cases also include punitive damages, which are awarded when the at-fault driver engaged in hazardous behavior, such as DUI or reckless driving.
Insurance companies often undervalue emotional trauma, so it is essential to have a lawyer who can accurately calculate your total damages and fight for a fair amount.
Why You Need an Attorney to Handle a PTSD Claim
Emotional injury claims like PTSD are among the most complex in personal injury law. They require a careful combination of legal strategy and compassionate storytelling.
A skilled car accident attorney in Los Angeles can:
- Help connect you with a qualified mental health professional
- Collect and organize documentation to support your claim
- Work with expert witnesses who can testify about your condition
- Negotiate with the insurance company to avoid a lowball offer
- Represent you in court if the case goes to trial
Having a legal advocate also helps you avoid common mistakes, such as underestimating the long-term cost of therapy or accepting an early settlement before the full extent of your condition is known.
Don’t Suffer in Silence. Let LA Injury Lawyers Help You Get the Justice You Deserve
PTSD can affect every aspect of your life. From relationships to employment to simply feeling safe on the road again, the impact is real—and so is your right to compensation. At LA Injury Lawyers, we take emotional injuries seriously. We have helped countless clients obtain compensation not only for physical harm but also for the lasting trauma of serious accidents.
Recent Results:
- $11 Million – Brain injury victim
- $10 Million – Vehicle accident settlement
- $8.2 Million – PTSD and physical injury case
- $7 Million – Spinal injury settlement
You do not have to navigate this process alone. Our attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Call: (818) 539-5390
Email: in**@*************rs.com
Visit: 6200 Canoga Ave Suite 310, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can you sue for PTSD after a car accident in California?
Yes. If your PTSD was caused by a car accident due to another person’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim for emotional distress. - Do I need a physical injury to sue for PTSD?
No. While physical injuries help strengthen a case, PTSD claims can stand alone if they are supported by a professional diagnosis and proper documentation. - What kind of compensation can I receive for PTSD?
Compensation may include therapy costs, medication expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. - How long do I have to file a PTSD claim in California?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. There are exceptions, so speak with an attorney as soon as possible. - Can insurance companies deny PTSD claims?
They may try, especially without solid documentation. That is why working with a lawyer who understands PTSD cases is critical to success.
