1. What Is PTSD After a Car Accident?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a car accident. Victims may suffer flashbacks, anxiety, sleep disorders, or emotional distress long after the crash.
2. Can You Claim Compensation for PTSD?
Yes. If you’ve developed PTSD due to someone else’s negligence in a car accident, you’re entitled to compensation. PTSD is treated as a serious injury and can be included in both personal injury and psychological trauma claims.
3. How Much Compensation for PTSD After Car Accident?
Compensation amounts vary based on severity. According to the Judicial College Guidelines (2024 edition):
Severe PTSD (£59,860 – £100,670)
- Permanent effects with no ability to work or function normally
- Long-term psychological treatment required
Moderately Severe PTSD (£23,150 – £59,860)
- Significant effects on life, but some recovery with therapy
Moderate PTSD (£8,180 – £23,150)
- Ongoing symptoms but a good prognosis with professional help
Less Severe PTSD (£3,950 – £8,180)
- Short-term symptoms with full recovery expected within a year or so
These figures are for general damages—for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
4. Special Damages You Can Claim
In addition to general damages, you can claim special damages for:
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical expenses (therapy, counselling, medication)
- Care and assistance
- Travel costs to appointments
- Lifestyle adaptations if PTSD impacts your routine
These are calculated based on your actual financial losses and future needs.
5. What Affects the Amount of Compensation?
Several factors influence how much compensation for PTSD after a car accident you can receive:
- Severity of symptoms
- Impact on your ability to work and socialise
- Duration of recovery
- Cost of ongoing treatment
- Presence of other physical injuries
- Expert psychiatric reports and medical documentation
6. How to Prove PTSD for a Compensation Claim
To strengthen your claim:
- Get a formal diagnosis from a GP or mental health specialist
- Undergo an independent psychiatric assessment
- Keep a diary of symptoms and how PTSD affects daily life
- Maintain records of treatment and expenses
A solicitor will gather and present this evidence as part of your case.
7. Do You Need a Solicitor?
Yes. PTSD claims are complex and often require detailed expert reports. A solicitor can:
- Arrange assessments
- Calculate total damages (including long-term impact)
- Negotiate with insurers
- Handle legal proceedings if needed
Many offer no win no fee services, so you won’t pay unless the claim succeeds.
8. How Long Does a PTSD Claim Take?
PTSD claims typically take:
- 6–12 months for less severe cases
- 12–24 months or more for complex or serious cases
- Longer if liability is disputed or further psychiatric assessments are needed
9. Time Limits for Claiming
You generally have three years from the date of the accident or from when you were first diagnosed with PTSD to make a claim. For children, the three-year period starts from their 18th birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I claim for PTSD if I wasn’t physically injured?
Yes. Psychological injuries like PTSD are valid grounds for compensation, even without physical injuries.
Q2: Will I need to go to court?
Most PTSD claims settle out of court. Court is only necessary if there’s a dispute over fault or payout.
Q3: Can passengers claim PTSD compensation?
Yes. Any party involved in the accident (drivers, passengers, pedestrians) can claim if they develop PTSD.
Q4: What if my PTSD symptoms appear months later?
That’s common. As long as you claim within three years of being diagnosed, your case remains valid.
Q5: Can I claim if I already had mental health issues?
Yes. You may still claim for an aggravation of pre-existing mental health conditions caused by the accident.
Q6: What kind of evidence do I need?
You’ll need medical reports, therapy records, expense receipts, and possibly an independent psychiatric evaluation.
Conclusion
Understanding how much compensation for PTSD after car accident UK victims can receive is key to securing justice and support for your recovery. PTSD can deeply affect your life, relationships, and ability to work. By working with a specialist solicitor, you can ensure your claim reflects the true impact of your trauma and helps you move forward with confidence.
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