Car accidents are very common in the US. The primary reason for car accidents is negligence. People breach the duty of care they owe to others in many different ways. 

The following are some of the common reasons why car accidents happen:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Violating traffic rules
  • Defective parts

As you can see, most of these reasons are a result of someone’s negligence. Car accident victims will sustain many different types of losses. Luckily, they can obtain compensation for their losses with the help of experienced car accident attorneys.

Losses In A Car Accident

Car accident victims will sustain both economic and non-economic losses. The following are some of the losses a car accident victim will experience:

  • Medical bills
  • Property repair costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of companionship
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement

Most victims focus on obtaining compensation for their economic losses when they should be focusing on emotional losses.

The emotional losses a car accident causes are far worse than economic losses. 

Here are some of the psychological effects of a car accident:

  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an emotional disorder that people develop after witnessing a traumatizing event. 

Car accidents are a common event that can lead to PTSD.

The symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Flashbacks of the event
  • Nightmares
  • Trouble focusing
  • Feeling guilty

It is best to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. A psychiatrist can help you overcome your fears. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition.

Anxiety 

Anxiety is another mental disorder that can be caused by scary events, like car accidents. It makes everyday life difficult for the victims. 

After a car accident, you may experience anxiety while driving. Driving to your workplace, which you would have done a thousand times before, may seem like an impossibility now.

This is a severe disorder that greatly reduces the quality of your life. The following are four types of anxiety:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Phobia
  • Separation disorder
  • Panic disorder

Speak with a psychiatrist and find out what type of disorder you suffer from. They can treat you and help you overcome your fears.

Depression

Depression is a very common reaction to car accidents. It is a mood disorder that may cause sudden waves of sadness and a loss of interest in things that you might enjoy.

Car accident victims will have many bills to settle. These mounting expenses may cause severe stress, which may develop into depression. It is important to surround yourself with people you love and those who love you.

Being with friends and family can help you overcome depression.

Compensation For Emotional Losses

It is important to understand that you can claim compensation for emotional losses too.

These psychological effects have an impact on your quality of life. You shouldn’t suffer because some random driver was speeding.

You need to make these negligent drivers pay for their wrongdoing.

It is the only way to deter them from engaging in such behaviors in the future.

Since it is hard to compute non-economic losses, seek the help of experienced lawyers. They can help you calculate emotional losses.

Your lawyer will use the per-diem method or the multiplier method to calculate your losses. 

Final Thoughts

The emotional effects of a car accident will be much worse than the monetary losses a victim will face. These losses will greatly reduce the quality of your life.

You can claim compensation for your emotional losses in the name of non-economic losses. An experienced lawyer can help you obtain fair compensation for your non-economic losses. 

Insurance companies will try to ignore your emotional losses. Your lawyer will not let that happen. They will negotiate with the insurance company and get you the compensation you deserve.