The Most Dangerous Intersections in New York
Some injuries are harder to talk about than others. If you were in a car accident, you may have walked away relatively unscathed physically, only to find that something inside you did not feel right in the weeks that followed. Flashbacks, anxiety, and a sense of dread that will not go away. For many people, this is what PTSD after a car accident looks like. And it is just as real and serious as any physical injury.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand that emotional trauma is often overlooked after a car crash. Since 1959, we have helped numerous individuals and families throughout New York move forward after devastating accidents. That includes clients who are suffering from post-traumatic stress, panic, and long-term emotional distress.
When the Damage Is Not Visible
Most people expect injuries from a crash to show up on X-rays. Torn ligaments. Broken ribs. Head trauma. However, not all types of trauma appear on a diagnostic scan.
Sometimes, it shows up when you cannot merge onto a highway without panicking. Or when you hear a horn honk and flinch so hard you spill your coffee. That is what emotional trauma after a car accident can look like. And it can take over your life in ways that feel hard to explain.
What PTSD from a Car Accident Feels Like
You might not realize it at first. You may think the stress will pass. But the symptoms linger. PTSD is not limited to those who served in the military. Normal, everyday people can wind up with symptoms after undergoing a traumatic experience, such as a devastating car accident. Examples include:
- Nightmares or vivid memories of the crash;
- Avoiding driving altogether;
- Feeling detached, jumpy, or on edge;
- Trouble focusing at work; and
- Crying without knowing why.
PTSD is not just being shaken up. It is actual trauma. In legal terms, it may qualify you to seek a car accident PTSD settlement, especially if you are working with a doctor and can show how it is affecting your daily life.
Can I Sue for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?
In many cases, yes. Under New York’s no-fault insurance system, your insurance can cover your medical bills and lost wages, but it does not pay for pain, fear, or the feeling that your mind has changed since the crash.
To step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit, you must meet what the state calls the “serious injury threshold,” which can include both physical and non-physical injuries. If your emotional trauma is severe, ongoing, and interfering with your life, and you have documentation, you may qualify.
From there, you must show that the other driver was at fault. Actions such as texting, speeding, driving drunk, or running a red light may count as negligence. A strong New York car accident attorney can guide you through the process of a claim and help you get the compensation you need and deserve for your PTSD and emotional trauma.
What Emotional Distress Claims Can Cover
If you qualify to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York, you may be able to recover money for:
- Therapy and treatment,
- Lost income,
- Future loss of earning capacity,
- Medication,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
There is no fixed formula for calculating these damages. Every emotional distress car accident settlement depends on your particular set of circumstances.
Why These Cases Can Be Harder Than They Should Be
Insurance companies do not like to pay for invisible injuries. They want proof, paperwork, and clinical diagnoses. And even then, they often argue that your mental health struggles came from something else: stress, work, relationship issues, etc.
That is why timing matters. If you are struggling, go to your doctor. Get a referral. Start therapy. Build the paper trail early. That documentation can be the difference between being believed and being dismissed.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you are not sure what to do next, here are a few simple steps:
- Talk to someone. Start with your doctor or a mental health provider. You need to establish a link between the accident and your symptoms.
- Document your symptoms. Write things down, even if it is just a quick note on your phone. Keeping a journal is helpful, should your case wind up in litigation.
- Tell your lawyer everything. Do not assume your emotional pain “does not count.” It absolutely does.
- Stay consistent. Follow through with appointments and your doctor’s treatment plan. Keep track of your progress.
These may seem like small steps, but they help you regain control and help your legal team build your case.
Why Hire Our Firm?
Since 1959, we have helped New Yorkers navigate the aftermath of serious accidents. Many of our clients come to us not because they want to sue but because they feel like no one is listening. They want their lives back and do not want to pay for losses caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you are wondering whether you can make a claim, you need someone who understands what you are going through. That is what we are here for.
We handle the paperwork. We speak with the insurance companies. And we help make sure your story is fully and fairly heard.
Contact Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers Today
Living with PTSD after a car accident is exhausting. You may be trying to keep it together on the outside by going to work, caring for your family, and handling your responsibilities. But inside, everything feels different. You should not have to carry that weight alone, especially when someone else is responsible for your trauma.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we have represented people throughout New York who were quietly suffering after a car accident. We know how hard it can be to make that first call. That is why we are here.
We will listen, review your situation, and explain your options clearly, calmly, and without pressure.
Our team includes bilingual professionals and offers free consultations. We invite you to contact us if you are ready to move forward today or want to understand your rights.
You are not alone in this. Let us help you take the next step.
