When you go through a car accident, it can be one of the most stressful moments of your life. You see your life flashing before your eyes and experience a near-death experience. This is something that most people do not forget their entire life. Victims have post-traumatic stress disorder and develop symptoms of anxiety and depression.
If you have been injured by another party or have witnessed the death of your loved one, you may be severely emotionally damaged after the accident. While monetary compensation is not always enough for your emotional pain, it can provide some sense of justice. Speak to a Sherman Oaks personal injury attorney and protect your rights.
What is emotional damage or emotional distress?
Emotional distress is also termed emotional damage in car accident claims. It refers to a psychological condition that develops after experiencing a traumatic experience. Different kinds of people may be differently affected by a car accident. While some may get better after a few days of relaxing at home, others suffer for a longer time period.
There are various effects of emotional distress. Victims of car accidents may experience one or more of the following:
- Feelings of embarrassment
- Suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Extreme fatigue
- Humiliation
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
It is not normal to experience these symptoms after a car accident. You should give the same importance to your mental health as your physical health.
How to prove emotional distress
There are various ways one can prove emotional distress. However, since it is a non-economic form of damage, it can be complicated to gather evidence. This is why it is recommended to hire an attorney with the knowledge and resources for such a claim.
You can prove that you have acquired emotional distress from your physical injuries by providing medical documentation. An expert witness can observe your behavior and activities and give testimony about your condition. Since they are usually highly qualified and acclaimed medical experts, their testimony holds increased weightage in the courtroom.
When can you seek financial damages for emotional injuries?
You can seek financial damages for your emotional injuries in a number of personal injury accidents.
- Car accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Construction and other job-related accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Maritime accidents
- Truck accidents
- Accidents caused by defective products
Regardless of how you acquired your emotional injuries, one of the first things you should do is contact an attorney in Sherman Oaks. They can tell you what is right and protect you from grave mistakes.