Dealing With Psychological Trauma After a Motorcycle Accident

As one of the most vulnerable motor vehicles on the road, motorcyclists are at risk for severe injuries in the event of a serious collision with a car or truck. When another driver violates duty of care when sharing the road, a motorcyclist could be left with broken bones, burns, lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries. Beyond the physical consequences of a motorcycle accident, psychological trauma has a lasting effect that may result in a substantial decrease in quality of life due to depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological conditions. 

If you have been substantially injured in an accident due to driver negligence and the physical and psychological losses have negatively impacted your day-to-day life, the California motorcycle accident lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp are here to help. We are seasoned trial attorneys with over 25 years of experience dedicated to recovering the compensation you deserve.

Psychological Trauma Associated With California Motorcycle Accidents 

Depending on the severity of your California motorcycle accident, you may experience a varying degree of psychological trauma, including mild anxiety to PTSD and depression. When your emotional damages affect your ability to live and enjoy life as you did prior to your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. 

The following is an overview of psychological conditions that are seen following a traumatic motorcycle accident and may be debilitating in some cases: 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When you experience a traumatic event, such as a motorcycle accident, you may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which results in severe distress and mental anguish that may last for years following the accident and may affect family and friends. 

The symptoms of PTSD after motorcycle accidents can start developing immediately and may include: 

  • Avoidance and social withdrawal
  • Concentration, impaired memory, and focus issues 
  • Seeming on edge or easily startled 
  • Avoidance of favorite activities
  • Self-destructive issues, such as excessive alcohol or drug use 
  • Aggression and irritability 
  • Frequent flashbacks to the event
  • Distressing thoughts, paranoia, anxiety 
  • Insomnia or nightmares 

If you are experiencing symptoms of severe PTSD, it is essential to obtain the help of a medical professional. You may be able to reduce or treat your symptoms with psychotherapy and mediation. 

When beginning psychotherapy, some of the goals may include: 

  • Alleviating severity and frequency of symptoms 
  • Learning coping strategies for symptoms 
  • Working to treat co-occurring issues, such as depression or destructive behaviors 

Dealing with psychological trauma such as PTSD following a severe California motorcycle accident may be overwhelming. With the knowledgeable help of an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for necessary treatments and medical expenses associated with your accident. 

Depression 

Depression is often diagnosed in victims of severe motorcycle accidents due to the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries from the intensive impact. Following an accident, 50% of TBI victims are diagnosed with major depression within the first year, and over 60% experience depression seven years down the line. The following are common symptoms of depression: 

  • Sadness 
  • Hopelessness
  • Lack of energy
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Social withdrawal
  • Lack of focus 
  • Sudden changes in appetite or sleep 
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Guilt
  • Feeling like a failure 
  • Lack of enjoyment in favorite activities or life 

There are a number of ways you may be able to manage depression following a California motorcycle accident. Seek the guidance of a medical professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. Counseling and medication management may help your symptoms. 

Obtaining Compensation for Psychological Trauma from a California Motorcycle Accident 

In California, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages for the losses you have experienced. The following are recoverable noneconomic damages for psychological trauma from a motorcycle accident: 

These types of damages may be available for victims that have experienced substantial physical injuries such as disfigurement, scarring, or permanent injuries, such as a TBI, spinal cord injury, or amputation. 

With the help of a seasoned California motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover maximum compensation through conducting a comprehensive investigation into the accident, obtaining valuable evidence and witness testimony, and providing medical records and documentation. We are well-versed in California laws and statutes pertaining to noneconomic damages awards and are skilled negotiators to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Speak With a Skilled California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp  

Psychological trauma may have a devastating effect on your day-to-day life following a California motorcycle accident caused by driver negligence. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a severe accident may take on a victim. We utilize all of our resources, such as expert testimony, PowerPoint graphics, and micro-documentaries, in order to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. 

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp, we are seasoned trial lawyers with over 25 years of experience fighting for motorcycle accident victims and recovering the compensation they deserve through successful settlements and verdicts. We will fight for you, too. Obtain the help of a skilled California motorcycle accident lawyer today at (916) 970-9100, or fill out our contact form.