Can I Get Compensation for Psychological Issues After a Car Accident in Atlanta?
Although many people assume that physical injuries are always worse than psychological issues after Atlanta car accidents, the opposite is often true. If you’re struggling with mental health challenges like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you might be wondering whether you’ll receive additional compensation. This is a conversation you might want to have with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney.
Georgia Allows Car Accident Victims to Claim “Non-Economic Damages”
In the world of auto injury law, “non-economic” damages represent any psychological or emotional issues you might face after a crash. In some states, victims cannot claim these damages unless they suffer serious injuries. However, Georgia is not one of these states. Instead of following a “no-fault” system, the Peach State follows an “at-fault” (tort) system that allows victims to claim non-economic damages even after suffering only minor or moderate injuries.
You Must Show That You Suffered Physical Injuries
That being said, it is virtually impossible to recover compensation for only non-economic damages. In order to file a claim and recover compensation, you must establish that you suffered an underlying physical injury of some kind. This could be as “minor” as a mild concussion, a laceration, or a contusion (bruise). As long as you have medical evidence that establishes physical injuries, you can claim additional compensation for any psychological challenges that stem from those physical injuries.
This is why it is so important to seek medical treatment immediately after your crash, even if you only suffered minor injuries. Although it might seem silly to go to the hospital for a scrape or bruise, it makes sense to play it safe in this situation. You never know how bad your injuries really are until a trained doctor examines them. If you have medical records that show you visited a hospital after a crash, it may also be easier to recover compensation for things like PTSD or depression.
What Are Some Examples of Non-Economic Damages After a Georgia Crash?
Non-economic damages are incredibly varied. Some of the more self-explanatory examples include humiliation, emotional distress, mental anguish, anxiety, and pain & suffering. Another common type of non-economic damage is disfigurement. This represents not the medical bills associated with a disfiguring injury, but rather the psychological burden of living with a disfiguring burn, amputation, malformed limb, or laceration.
Another complex non-economic damage is “loss of enjoyment of life.” You may claim this damage if your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies or pastimes that you once enjoyed. These might include sports, hiking, dog-walking, playing catch with your children, and so on. If you are recovering from a brain injury, these pastimes might include more cognitive pastimes that are no longer possible, such as chess or video games.
Can an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
An Atlanta car accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your psychological issues as well as your physical injuries after a crash. Georgia’s at-fault car accident system should allow you to recover at least some compensation for your non-economic damages. Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC today to learn more about maximizing your compensation after a crash.
Source:
oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/auto