Yes, you can get PTSD from a motorcycle accident. A study published in the Professional Psychology, Research and Practice journal found that individuals involved in a motorcycle accident are at an “increased risk for psychological problems,” which included post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on the study data, researchers estimated that motorcycle accident-related PTSD could potentially affect 2.5 to 7 million people in the United States.
If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident and later developed PTSD as a response to the event trauma, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver or a related liable party. You can choose to work with a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm. Our team will fight for compensation for your damages.
Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Severe Physical and Mental Trauma
Each year, motorcycle accidents cause serious and fatal injuries. Motorcycle accidents caused 5,500 fatalities and over 180,000 injuries that required emergency room care in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also notes that a significant amount of lives were saved when motorcyclists wore helmets.
Still, while helmets can help motorcyclists reduce their risk of death by head trauma, motorcyclists are still vulnerable to serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Broken limbs
- Organ damage
- Burns and damage to skin from skidding
In worst cases, motorcyclists may not survive their accidents, or they may lose a loved one who was riding with them. Death, near-death experiences, and having to live with a new disability can all be traumatic events for motorcycle accident victims to process, putting them at risk of developing PTSD if left untreated.
You May Have Grounds to Demand Compensation for Your Damages
If a motorcycle accident left you or a loved one traumatized, you may have an opportunity to file a claim or lawsuit against a liable party and demand compensation for your damages. Through a legal case, you can hold the appropriate party accountable for the pain and suffering you endured since the accident.
Our legal team will listen to your case, then begin drafting a demand letter for compensation by listing the damages you claim. These damages often include financial losses but can also involve physical, emotional, and mental injuries. Some examples of compensatory damages are:
- Psychological trauma, including a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Medical expenses for any injuries you sustained, including costs for future treatment
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional forms
- Loss of income, including future income loss if you are still in treatment or have become disabled and cannot return to work
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage costs
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment in former activities, such as riding your motorcycle
You may claim other types of damages not listed here based on the circumstances surrounding your case, including damages related to losing a loved one if applicable. We want to remain sensitive to what you’ve had to go through and estimate a figure that fairly covers your damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
What Are Symptoms of PTSD That Can Occur After a Motorcycle Accident?
Some symptoms of PTSD that might reveal themselves after a motorcycle accident can include:
- Having recurring nightmares about the motorcycle accident
- Having a severe physical or emotional response to things that trigger memories of the accident, such as when hearing traffic sounds, seeing vehicles come too close, or being near or at the accident location
- Becoming hypervigilant, which can involve constantly looking out for danger when outside near or in traffic
- Developing self-destructive behavior, such as turning to alcohol or drugs to avoid thinking about the accident or your injuries
- Having angry outbursts and becoming aggressive as an emotional response to triggers
You can read more information about PTSD on Mayo Clinic. If you are struggling with the trauma of the motorcycle accident, you may want to consider seeking mental health care.
When You’re in Pain, Call Kaine Law to Start Working on Your Case
If you or a loved one developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver or another liable party. Our legal team helps clients fight for their financial recovery because we understand how difficult it can be to return to routine life when you’ve lived through significant trauma.
When you work with a motorcycle accident attorney from Kaine Law, our team can step in to manage your case for you while you get the care you need to process your accident. Want to learn more about our legal services? We offer the first consultation for free when you call the number on our website.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
