You may get hit with an initial wave of anxiety almost immediately after your car accident. But unfortunately, this anxiety may linger in the weeks, months, and even years after this horrific event. Read on to discover whether you are eligible to file a claim for anxiety and how a seasoned Tampa car accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help in your healing journey.
Is it possible to file a claim for anxiety after a car accident?
Your anxiety may be classified under the umbrella of emotional distress. That is, emotional distress refers to the emotional suffering that you may be experiencing due to another party’s negligent actions.
So in the case of your car accident, your emotional distress may have manifested into anxiety about getting behind the wheel, or even entering a vehicle, once more. This anxiety may affect many facets of your life, such as your ability to commute to work; chauffer your children to school; and overall carry out the life you once had.
With this, you may rest easier knowing that the state of Florida recognizes emotional distress claims. However, this is so long as you meet the following criteria:
- You must prove that you experience symptoms tied to an anxiety diagnosis.
- You must prove that your anxiety is severe, substantial, and has persisted for an extended period.
- You must prove that your anxiety directly stems from the negligence of another driver in your car accident.
What proof do I need to make such a claim?
It may be difficult to prove the mental health issues you have undergone in the aftermath of your car accident. This is because such suffering cannot be as easily noticeable as, for instance, the bodily injuries that you may have incurred. Nevertheless, it is still possible to fulfill your burden of proof and demonstrate your anxiety in your claim proceedings.
For one, you may submit a statement from your treating mental health physician. This statement may confirm your mental health diagnosis, along with providing details about how it has significantly diminished your quality of life. You may even ask your physician, or a mental health expert in general, to testify in your claim proceedings. Or, you may also ask your regular treating physician for their support. This is because your anxiety may have manifested into physical symptoms, such as headaches, ulcers, and insomnia.
Secondly, such statements and testimonies should be supplemented with any other relevant medical records you may have. You may also provide medical bills relating to the therapy sessions you have attended and medications you have been prescribed since your accident.
This is all to say that, before you move any further in your claim, you must consult a competent Tampa auto accident lawyer. So please reach out to Merricks Law Group, P.A. today.
