Often, when we think about car accidents, we think of the physical injuries they can cause. And, while physical injuries can be life-altering, so too can the emotional and psychological costs of an accident. Car accident can cause mental health problems that can persist for months or years after the accident. In some cases, they will last a lifetime.
The reason car accidents cause mental health issues is because they carry so much emotional cost with them. A car accident is stressful, it’s terrifying, and often it comes with a sense of loss—either because a loved one was hurt or killed, because someone else was hurt or killed, or because of the prospect of living with one’s own injuries.
All of this comes with the frustration of feeling that there was something that could have been done differently to prevent the accident. These powerful emotional forces are the perfect recipe for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
The Most Common Mental Health Disorders After a Car Accident
The most common mental health disorders following a car accident include:
- Fear of driving or of using vehicles
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder—read our Car Accident PTSD Guide here)
- Anxiety
- Clinical depression
- Mood swings
- Sleep issues
- Loss of appetite or sudden weight changes
- Feelings of shame or humiliation
- Irritability or bouts of anger
- Loss of interest in the things you usually enjoy
Some of these are formally diagnosable mental health conditions. Others are common symptoms that may not be related to an actual “disorder,” but reflect the amount of stress and emotional anguish you are dealing with. All of them can be treated, and all of them can potentially be covered by insurance.
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Will My Insurance Claim Cover Mental Health Treatment?
In the state of Georgia, yes, a car accident claim can cover the costs of mental health treatment. However, it depends on what happened in the accident.
- If you were physically injured in the accident, and your mental health treatment is related to the same accident, then your full costs can be covered by the car accident insurance claim.
- If you were notphysically injured, you’re probably not able to make a car accident claim for your trauma. (However, in this case, your own health insurance may still cover it.)
In most cases, a car accident victim is covered—because there’s usually at least a minor physical injury in these traumatizing situations. Be but aware that insurance companies do not like paying out on mental health claims, and they will use some very aggressive tactics to discredit you if they can. Always have a lawyer on your side when you file a claim like this.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer for Free
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Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
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