PTSD and Mental Health Claims After an Accident in California
Harker Injury Law is proud to serve individuals and families across California with compassionate personal injury representation. After a serious car crash, slip and fall, or catastrophic injury, the physical wounds may eventually heal — but the emotional scars can linger much longer. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions are common after traumatic accidents, and they can be just as devastating as physical injuries.
At Harker Injury Law, we believe that no one should face the hidden costs of trauma alone. We treat our clients like family, helping them recover compensation for the full extent of their losses, including mental health struggles that may not be visible but are very real.
Understanding PTSD After an Accident
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event, such as a car crash, motorcycle accident, or violent dog bite. Victims may experience:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Avoidance of driving, walking, or returning to the accident scene
- Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones
These symptoms can disrupt work, family life, and recovery. In many cases, therapy and medication are needed — all of which add to the financial burden of an accident.
Can You Recover Damages for PTSD in California?
Yes. California law recognizes that emotional and psychological harm are part of the “pain and suffering” damages in a personal injury claim. In many cases, juries and insurance companies understand that PTSD can dramatically impact a victim’s life.
Compensation for mental health damages may include:
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Psychiatric treatment and medication
- Lost income from an inability to work
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
At Harker Injury Law, we work with mental health professionals to build strong evidence for these claims.
Proving PTSD in a Personal Injury Case
Insurance companies often challenge PTSD claims because symptoms are not as visible as a broken bone or a scar. That’s why legal representation is so critical. Our team gathers evidence such as:
- Medical and psychiatric records
- Testimony from therapists, doctors, and family members
- Personal journals documenting nightmares, anxiety, or depression
- Employment records showing work disruptions
We make sure our clients’ stories are told fully and powerfully, so the court or insurance adjuster understands the real impact of trauma.
Common Accidents That Lead to PTSD
PTSD can result from any accident where the victim experiences or witnesses extreme danger. At Harker Injury Law, we frequently see PTSD claims after:
- Car accidents on I-15 or surface streets in Temecula, Riverside, or San Diego County
- Truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles on Southern California highways
- Motorcycle accidents where riders suffer life-threatening injuries
- Dog bites that leave children or adults traumatized
- Slip and fall accidents that cause severe injury and lingering fear of public places
How Harker Injury Law Supports Families
When we say “we treat you like family,” we mean it. We know that PTSD doesn’t just affect the injured person — it ripples through households, marriages, and children’s lives. That’s why we take time to listen, to understand, and to fight for resources that support the whole family.
We’ve represented clients whose children were afraid to ride in cars after a crash, and parents who struggled with nightmares for months after a fall. In every case, our role is to guide them with patience and compassion while pushing back against insurance companies that undervalue emotional harm.
Local Resources for Recovery
We encourage clients to seek professional help early. In the Temecula area, treatment is often available through providers near Temecula Valley Hospital or in nearby Riverside and San Diego counties. Our legal team connects clients with trusted mental health experts as part of the healing process.
Why Legal Help Matters in PTSD Claims
Insurance companies are quick to minimize or deny emotional damages. Without legal representation, accident victims may accept settlements that cover medical bills but leave out the ongoing costs of trauma.
By working with Harker Injury Law, you gain an advocate who:
- Values your mental and emotional recovery as much as your physical healing
- Builds strong evidence with expert support
- Negotiates aggressively for full and fair compensation
- Stands by your side through every step, like family
Call Harker Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD after an accident in California, don’t face the recovery process alone.
Call Harker Injury Law today for a free consultation. Your healing matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Together, we’ll fight for the resources you need to move forward.
