Mental Injury After a Vehicle Accident

Vehicle accidents often cause more than physical harm. Many victims experience lasting emotional and psychological injuries that affect their daily lives, relationships, and ability to work. California law allows you to pursue compensation for these mental injuries when another party’s negligence is responsible.

What Is a Mental Injury After a Vehicle Accident?

A mental injury refers to the emotional, psychological, or cognitive harm a person suffers because of a traumatic event. Many crash victims experience symptoms that disrupt their ability to function normally, and often require professional treatment. Common mental injuries after a vehicle accident include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and heightened anxiety.
• Anxiety disorders: Persistent worry, panic attacks, and difficulty concentrating.
• Depression: Loss of interest, sadness, fatigue, or withdrawal from daily activities.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, recurring nightmares, or an inability to rest.
• Emotional distress: Irritability, mood swings, fearfulness, or sudden emotional reactions.
• Cognitive impairment: Memory issues, trouble focusing, or slowed thinking caused by trauma or stress.

Some victims do not recognize the signs until weeks or months after the crash. Early treatment often improves recovery and strengthens a legal claim.

How California Law Addresses Mental Injury Claims

California allows victims to recover compensation for both physical and psychological harm in a personal injury claim. Mental injuries fall under non-economic damages, which compensate for intangible losses related to emotional and psychological suffering. Courts and insurance companies consider several factors when evaluating mental injury claims:

• Severity and duration of symptoms.
• Diagnosis from licensed mental health professionals.
• Impact on daily life, work, relationships, and overall functioning.
• Whether the accident involved extreme trauma, such as a high-speed collision or fatality.
• Consistency between medical records and the victim’s reported symptoms.

Because mental injuries do not show up on imaging tests, documentation and professional evaluations play a critical role in demonstrating their impact.

Common Signs of Mental Trauma After an Accident

Accident victims should monitor for signs of emotional or psychological distress. Symptoms may include:

• Avoiding driving or riding in vehicles.
• Fear of returning to the crash site.
• Difficulty performing work tasks.
• Sudden irritability or emotional outbursts.
• Feeling disconnected, numb, or detached.
• Persistent sadness or hopelessness.
• Physical symptoms linked to stress, such as headaches or stomach issues.

Recognizing these signs early allows you to seek treatment and preserve evidence for a potential claim.

Why Hiring a Lawyer is Critical in Mental Injury Cases

Mental injury claims require detailed evidence and strategic presentation. Insurance companies often dispute these injuries because they are not visible. An experienced Perris car accident attorney will:

• Connect you with qualified mental health professionals for evaluation.
• Gather medical records, expert opinions, and employer statements.
• Demonstrate how the accident caused psychological harm.
• Calculate both economic and non-economic damages.
• Negotiate with insurers who attempt to undervalue emotional injuries.
• Prepare a strong case for trial if needed.

Legal representation ensures that you have the best possible chance of recovering maximum compensation.

Contact Hanson & Mouri

If you are experiencing mental or emotional distress after a vehicle accident, Hanson & Mouri will explain your rights and guide you through the claims process. Contact the firm online or call (951) 688-0006 to schedule a free consultation.