In the aftermath of a motor vehicle crash, the repercussions extend beyond physical injuries, with emotional distress and mental anguish often being some of the most profound and life-long injuries. In the state of Florida, individuals involved in accidents may find themselves grappling not only with bodily harm but also with the lasting impact on their mental health.
According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, as many as 47% of people who have experienced car accidents report elevated anxiety levels and the development of a driving phobia. This highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental impact of motor vehicle collisions, emphasizing the need for compensation and support to navigate both the physical and emotional aftermath of such incidents.
Similar to seeking compensation for physical injuries, victims of car accidents in Florida have the right to pursue restitution for emotional distress resulting from the incident. Emotional distress settlement amounts can vary widely, as each individual may experience anxiety in different ways and at different intensity levels. It is crucial, however, for victims to be aware of the necessary steps to safeguard their compensation.
Common Signs Of Anxiety After A Florida Car Accident
Experiencing a car accident in Florida can have lasting implications on your mental health, and it's crucial to be aware of common signs of anxiety that may manifest afterward. One common type of anxiety is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), characterized by anxiety lasting up to a month following the accident. This type of anxiety tends to solely focus on the car accident and being in a vehicle afterward. Common symptoms of ASD can include:
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Hypervigilance
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Anxiousness
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Emotional detachment
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Avoidance of trauma-related reminders
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Experiencing flashbacks, hallucinations, or nightmares associated with the accident
Another common type of anxiety that individuals may experience after being in a Florida car accident is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), where anxiety extends beyond the car accident and permeates into everyday life, leading to symptoms like:
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Tension
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Sleep disturbances
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Irritability
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Sense of uneasiness that won’t go away
While the accident may have triggered the initial anxiety, individuals with GAD find themselves anxious about unrelated issues as well.
Phobias can also develop, with some individuals developing irrational fears such as vehophobia (fear of driving) or the fear of getting into another accident. Agoraphobia, the fear of leaving one's home, is another potential anxiety symptom that individuals may experience.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is closely linked to anxiety and is a common consequence of car accidents. While not classified as an anxiety disorder, PTSD involves symptoms similar to anxiety that persist for more than a month. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking professional help, and victims should be proactive in safeguarding their mental well-being alongside pursuing compensation for emotional distress. Consulting with a Florida car accident attorney experienced in personal injury cases can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout this process.
Anxiety Is A Type Of Pain & Suffering
Anxiety is classified as a form of emotional distress resulting from a car accident in Florida, and falls under the category of non-economic damages, more specifically pain and suffering. Non-economic damages refer to the losses that a victim can experience that cannot have a monetary value assigned to them, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and a diminished quality of life.
Pain and suffering, a type of non-economic damage, encompasses the physical and emotional pain endured by the victim due to the accident. In the context of anxiety, individuals may claim compensation for the psychological toll, including the stress, fear, and emotional distress experienced. By recognizing that anxiety is a valid component of non-economic damages, there is an emphasis on the mental impact of a car accident, acknowledging the importance of addressing both economic and non-economic consequences when seeking compensation. Florida car accident attorneys can assist victims in navigating the complexities of non-economic damages, ensuring that their emotional well-being is considered in the pursuit of fair compensation.
How To Prove Anxiety In Florida Car Accident Claim
In the aftermath of a car accident in Florida, individuals may find themselves grappling with emotional distress, with anxiety being one of the main manifestations. Emotional distress encompasses the psychological suffering that results from the negligent actions of another party. Following a car accident, the emotional distress experienced may translate into anxiety about driving or even entering a vehicle again, impacting various aspects of daily life, from commuting to work to fulfilling parental responsibilities.
Fortunately, Florida recognizes emotional distress claims under certain criteria. To substantiate an anxiety claim, individuals must demonstrate that they must demonstrate:
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Symptoms consistent with an anxiety diagnosis
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That the anxiety is severe, substantial, and hasn’t diminished in intensity
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The anxiety directly stems from the negligence of another driver in the car accident
Proving mental health issues, particularly anxiety, can be challenging in a Florida car accident claim, as they may not be as visibly apparent as physical injuries. However, meeting the burden of proof is still required and can be possible. This can be done through several different tactics, including:
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Submitting a statement from a treating mental health physician
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Confirming the anxiety diagnosis and detailing its significant impact on the individual's quality of life
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Providing testimony from the mental health professional in claim proceedings or support from their regular treating physician, especially if the anxiety has led to physical symptoms like:
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Headaches
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Ulcers
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Insomnia
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Supplementing these statements and testimonies with relevant medical records, therapy session bills, and medication prescriptions further strengthens the claim, providing a comprehensive picture of the impact of anxiety on the individual's mental health and day-to-day life since the car accident. In this way, individuals can navigate the legal proceedings to seek compensation for the emotional distress they have endured.
