What Happens if You Get PTSD From a Car Accident?

Not every injury leaves a scar you can see. If a car accident left you feeling anxious, on edge, or overwhelmed by fear, those emotional effects are just as real—and just as important—as physical injuries. Many crash survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that can turn everyday life into a constant struggle.

PTSD After a Crash Is Real And You Deserve Support

Car accidents can cause invisible injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can disrupt work, relationships, and daily life. In Texas, PTSD is a compensable injury, but proving it requires strong medical evidence and a solid legal approach. At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we take these claims seriously and fight to ensure your trauma is fully recognized.

What Is PTSD and How Does It Relate to Car Accidents?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. In car accident cases, this trauma might involve witnessing serious injury or death, becoming trapped in a vehicle, or surviving a violent collision. If you were in an accident and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the support you need to recover fully. Contact us at 888-298-4070 or online; we’re available around the clock to answer your questions, and we only get paid if we’re able to recover compensation for you.

It’s Not in Your Head—It’s a Real Injury

PTSD after a crash doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it means vivid nightmares or panic attacks. For others, it’s a fear of driving, a racing heart at intersections, or a lingering sense of danger that never quite goes away.

PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness or something you can just “snap out of.” It’s a serious condition that can last for months or even years without treatment, and in Texas, PTSD is recognized as a legitimate injury. You deserve care, support, and compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your trauma.

How Do You File a PTSD Claim in Texas?

If another driver’s negligence caused the crash—whether through reckless driving, speeding, or distracted driving—you may be entitled to compensation under Texas personal injury law. Our attorneys will work to show that:

• The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care
• They breached that duty and caused the accident
• Your PTSD directly resulted from the crash
• You’ve suffered damages such as medical costs, lost income, or emotional harm

These cases can be challenging because PTSD isn’t always visible. But with the right medical records, professional evaluations, and legal support, it’s possible to build a strong and compelling claim.

How PTSD Claims Differ From Physical Injury Claims

One of the biggest challenges with PTSD claims is that they don’t always follow the same timeline as physical injuries. You may have walked away from the crash without a scratch, only to find yourself avoiding intersections, suffering from panic attacks, or waking up in a cold sweat weeks later.

This delay often causes insurance adjusters to question the connection between the crash and your PTSD. They may try to argue that something else caused your symptoms, or that your condition isn’t severe enough to justify a payout.

To strengthen your claim, it’s essential to seek medical help as soon as you notice symptoms. A licensed mental health provider can formally diagnose PTSD, begin treatment, and create the medical records your attorney will use to support your case.

How Important Is It to Get Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have PTSD, seeking a diagnosis from a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist is critical for your health and your legal case. Early treatment can improve your recovery, create a record of your condition, and help you feel better:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change harmful thought patterns
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to process traumatic memories
• Medication such as SSRIs or anti-anxiety drugs
• Support groups to help you connect with others who have similar experiences

Healing Starts With Getting Help

PTSD is serious, and the sooner you act, the better your chances for recovery and a strong legal claim. In addition to supporting your claim, treatment can help you regain confidence, manage symptoms, and reclaim parts of your life that PTSD may have taken from you. Don’t wait to get help. Call Trust Guss Injury Lawyers 24/7 at 888-298-4070 or contact us online today. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?

There is no “standard” PTSD settlement because every case is different. The severity of your symptoms, length of treatment, and impact on your life all factor into how much compensation you may be entitled to. However, a PTSD claim may include both economic and non-economic damages, covering the following losses:

Economic Damages

• The cost of therapy, medications, and mental health evaluations
• Lost wages or loss of earning capacity due to the inability to work
• Travel expenses to attend treatment or medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress and suffering
• Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
• Loss of enjoyment of life or relationships
• Long-term psychological effects impacting daily function

Time Limits for Filing a PTSD Claim in Texas

Texas law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. This includes claims involving PTSD. While some exceptions apply, such as when symptoms aren’t discovered immediately, it’s always safest to act well before the deadline.

Waiting too long can weaken your case. Records get lost. Witnesses forget details. And it becomes harder to prove that the crash directly caused your condition. That’s why we encourage anyone experiencing emotional distress after an accident to reach out as soon as possible.

How Insurance Companies View PTSD

Insurance companies often view PTSD claims with skepticism. If you didn’t receive an early diagnosis, have a pre-existing mental health condition, or don’t have physical injuries, they may try to deny or minimize your claim.

That’s where experienced legal support can make a real difference. At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we gather comprehensive medical documentation, consult with qualified professionals, and push back against lowball settlement offers.

We handle negotiations so you can focus on your recovery. If necessary, we’re ready to take your case to trial to ensure your trauma is recognized and compensated.

Why Trust Guss Injury Lawyers With Your PTSD Claim?

At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we know that PTSD can turn life upside down—and we don’t treat it like an afterthought. We’ve helped thousands of injured clients across Texas and nationwide, and we take pride in being both fierce advocates and compassionate partners.

When you work with us, you’ll have access to:

• A legal team with decades of experience in serious injury and emotional trauma cases
• 24/7 support—because trauma doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule
• Immediate help finding medical care, often with no upfront cost
• A “client first” approach that puts your needs before profit
• No fees unless we win your case

You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you get the care, justice, and compensation you deserve.

If You Have PTSD From a Car Accident, Trust Guss to Help

PTSD can change your life in ways few people understand—but we do. At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we fight to ensure your emotional trauma is taken seriously, your rights are protected, and your compensation reflects the full impact of your condition. If you’re struggling with PTSD after a Texas car accident, call 888-298-4070 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help when you’re ready to take the next step.