Dealing With Psychological Trauma After a Motorcycle Accident
As one of the most vulnerable motor vehicles on the road, motorcyclists are at risk for severe injuries in the event of a collision with a car or truck. A motorcyclist who collides with another vehicle could be left with broken bones, burns, lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries. Beyond the physical consequences of a motorcycle accident, psychological trauma has a lasting effect. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological conditions that result from a motorcycle accident can substantially decrease a person’s quality of life.
If you have been injured in an accident due to driver negligence, the California motorcycle accident lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. are here to help. We are seasoned trial attorneys with almost 30 years of experience dedicated to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Psychological Trauma Associated With California Motorcycle Accidents
Depending on the severity of your California motorcycle accident, you may experience a varying degree of psychological trauma, ranging from mild anxiety to PTSD and depression. When your emotional damages affect your ability to live and enjoy life as you did prior to your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
The following is an overview of potentially debilitating psychological conditions that have been seen following a traumatic motorcycle accident:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When you experience a traumatic event, such as a motorcycle accident, you may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This can result in severe distress and mental anguish that may last for years following the accident and may affect family and friends.
The symptoms of PTSD may start developing immediately following the accident and may include:
- Avoidance and social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and focus issues
- Appearing on edge or easily startled
- Avoidance of favorite activities
- Self-destructive tendencies, such as excessive alcohol or drug use
- Aggression and irritability
- Frequent flashbacks to the event
- Distressing thoughts, paranoia, anxiety
- Insomnia or nightmares
If you are experiencing symptoms of severe PTSD, it is essential to obtain the help of a medical professional. A good therapist may help manage or reduce your symptoms.
When beginning psychotherapy, some of the goals may include:
- Alleviating severity and frequency of symptoms
- Learning coping strategies for symptoms
- Working to treat co-occurring issues, such as depression or destructive behaviors
Dealing with psychological trauma such as PTSD following a severe California motorcycle accident may be overwhelming. With the knowledgeable help of an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for necessary treatments and medical expenses associated with your accident.
Depression
Depression is often diagnosed in victims of severe motorcycle accidents due to the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries from the intensive impact. Following an accident, 50% of TBI victims are diagnosed with major depression within the first year and over 60% experience depression seven years down the line. The following are common symptoms of depression:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Lack of energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of focus
- Sudden changes in appetite or sleep
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Guilt
- Feeling like a failure
- Lack of enjoyment in favorite activities or life
There are a number of ways you may be able to manage depression following a California motorcycle accident. Seek the guidance of a medical professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. Counseling and medication management may help your symptoms.
Obtaining Compensation for Psychological Trauma from a California Motorcycle Accident
In California, you may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages for the losses you have experienced. The following are recoverable noneconomic damages for psychological trauma from a motorcycle accident:
- Suffering and pain
- Emotional anguish
- Fright, horror, or shock
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Grief or worry
- Humiliation or shame
- Depression
These types of damages may be available for victims that have experienced substantial physical injuries such as disfigurement, scarring, or permanent injuries, such as a TBI, spinal cord injury, or amputation.
With the help of an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover maximum compensation through conducting a comprehensive investigation into the accident, obtaining valuable evidence and witness testimony, and providing medical records and documentation. We are well-versed in California laws and statutes pertaining to noneconomic damages awards and are skilled at negotiating for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Speak With a Skilled California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.
Psychological trauma may have a devastating effect on your day-to-day life following a California motorcycle accident caused by driver negligence. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a severe accident may take on a victim. We utilize all of our resources, such as expert testimony, visual graphics, and micro-documentaries, in order to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we are seasoned trial lawyers with almost 30 years of experience fighting for motorcycle accident victims. We will fight for you. Obtain the help of a skilled California motorcycle accident lawyer today at (916) 970-9100, or fill out our contact form.
