How Long After Medical Will I Get An Offer?
Sarah John's
Legal Writer
If anxiety is interfering with your life following a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Allow our expert panel of solicitors to walk you through the process and help you get what you deserve.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Anxiety After A Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident, you understand how overwhelming it can feel. The unexpected sounds, sudden jolts, and surprises can lead to not only physical injuries but also emotional distress after a car accident. Anxiety is a really common mental health issue that many people experience, and it can impact various aspects of your life, including work and social activities.
Many people wonder, “How much compensation can I claim for anxiety after a car accident?” How much you get depends on how bad your symptoms are and how they affect your daily life. If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation. This guide will walk you through the process, including the key criteria for Personal Injury Claims Scotland, the evidence required, and how to maximise your claim.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional distress, the good news is that expert solicitors from our panel, especially those offering No Win No Fee services, can help.
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Example Payouts for Anxiety Claims
When considering a claim for psychological trauma after car accident compensation, you should be aware that payouts vary depending on the severity of your condition. While the exact amount cannot be guaranteed—because each claim is unique—here are some sample payouts to help you:
- Up to £500,000+ for multiple serious injuries and significant financial damages.
- £66,920 to £141,240 for severe psychiatric damage, especially when the prognosis is poor.
- £23,270 to £66,920 for moderately severe psychiatric damage, where there’s a more optimistic outlook.
- £7,150 to £23,270 for moderate psychiatric damage, where improvements are expected by the time of trial.
- £1,880 to £7,150 for less severe psychiatric damage, depending on how much daily life and sleep have been disrupted.
- £73,050 to £122,850 for severe PTSD, where all aspects of life are heavily affected.
- £28,250 to £73,050 for moderately severe PTSD, where recovery is possible but still has significant disabling effects.
- For moderate PTSD, the compensation ranges between £9,980 and £28,250, with a large recovery expected.
- £4,800 to £9,900 for less severe PTSD, where recovery may take 1-2 years.
What Can Special Damages Cover in an Anxiety Claim?
- Therapy costs to help you recover from mental health issues.
- Costs related to travelling for medical appointments.
- Prescription costs for medications used to treat your condition.
- Loss of earnings if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
Keep all receipts and wage slips to prove these costs when making your claim.
Understanding the Whiplash Reforms and Their Impact on Anxiety Claims
The Whiplash Reform Programme changed how claims are handled for car accidents in England and Wales. If you’re 18 or older and your claim has a value of £5,000 or less, these new rules will apply to you. Whiplash injuries now have fixed compensation amounts under the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, making it clearer what you can expect.
However, if your injuries, such as anxiety after a car accident, exceed whiplash or your claim exceeds £5,000, you will be subject to the traditional claims process outlined in the Road Traffic Act 1988. That means a more in-depth look at your situation, including the psychological trauma you’ve been through.
Talking to an advisor is always a good idea to make sure you’re getting the right compensation; they can help you through the process and give you a better idea of what you might be able to get.
When Are You Eligible to Claim for Psychological Trauma After a Car Accident?
If you have suffered psychological trauma as a result of a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. To be eligible for car accident claims in Scotland, you must prove the following:
- Duty of care: The other driver had a responsibility to drive safely.
- Breach of duty: They didn’t fulfill their duty of care, like driving drunk or while distracted.
- Injury or harm: You experienced anxiety after a car accident or other harm because of their actions.
These are the key points in demonstrating negligence, which is required for any claim. If the other driver’s actions caused you anxiety, you may be eligible for an anxiety after car accident settlement.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak with an advisor from our panel. They can help you figure out if you qualify and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Is It Possible to Claim for Anxiety After a Minor Crash?
Many people wonder if they can sue for anxiety after a car accident, even if the damage was minor, such as a bump or scrape. The good news is that the law does not differentiate claims based on the severity of the accident. Every case is unique, and even minor accidents can result in depression after car accident or trigger an existing anxiety disorder.
If the accident caused you emotional distress, you may be able to seek compensation, regardless of how minor the collision was. When making a claim, keep in mind that your mental health is just as valid as physical injuries.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, why not get in touch with us for a free consultation? We can help guide you through the process.
Recognising the Signs of Anxiety After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may experience psychological shock after car accident, which can cause anxiety. The symptoms might range from minor discomfort to major psychological suffering.
Mental Symptoms:
- Fear of going on trips or driving
- Flashbacks of the accident
- Not being able to sleep
- Constant worrying
- Changes in behaviour
Physical Symptoms:
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Quick or shaky heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Having headaches or feeling dizzy
- Shortness of breath or sweating more than usual
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical help and get a proper diagnosis. You may also want to check for other injuries like whiplash and see if you can claim compensation.
How Car Accidents Can Lead to Anxiety?
Car accidents can cause anxiety due to the shock and stress of the collision. This stress frequently triggers anxiety symptoms, which vary from person to person.
For some, the anxiety may only last a few hours. For others, it can cause long-term panic attacks or anxiety after minor car accident.
If anxiety is affecting your daily life, therapy might be needed to help you regain confidence on the road.
If you’re struggling with anxiety after an accident, you may be able to claim compensation. Contact an advisor to find out how you can start your claim and get the support you need.
What's the Time Limit to Claim Compensation for Anxiety?
In Scotland, you usually have three years from the date of the car accident to seek compensation for anxiety or other emotional trauma. This is based on Scotland’s Prescription and Limitation Act 1973.
There are a few exceptions. If the individual is under the age of 16 or lacks full mental capacity, the time limit is paused. During this time, a litigation friend can assist in getting the claim started.
The 3-year clock restarts when the person reaches the age of 16 or regains full mental capacity.
Contact us if you have questions about the time limit or need help making a claim for someone else. We’re excited to assist you every step of the way and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
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How Can I Prove A Claim For Anxiety After A Car Accident?
If you are claiming compensation after car accident for anxiety, you will need the right evidence.
- Medical records: These indicate the severity of your anxiety and the appropriate treatment.
- Witness statements: Contact people who witnessed the accident. Their statements can back up your claim.
- Photographs: Pictures of the accident scene, as well as dashcam and CCTV footage, can help to explain what happened.
- X-rays and scans can reveal any physical injuries, such as whiplash, that contributed to your anxiety.
Working with our panel’s No Win No Fee Solicitors Scotland can also help you gather and organise this evidence. They will walk you through the process and make sure you have everything you need for a successful anxiety after car accident claim.
If you’re ready to start your claim, contact our team of advisors right away; we’ll help you understand how to get the compensation you deserve.
Claim Anxiety Compensation Through a No Win No Fee Solicitor
If you’re dealing with anxiety after a car accident, a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel can help you claim compensation with no upfront costs. They work under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), meaning you don’t pay anything to get started.
If your claim is successful, the solicitor takes a small fee from your compensation. Don’t worry, this fee is legally capped to ensure that you receive the majority of your compensation. If your claim fails, you pay nothing. There is no financial risk for you.
A No Win, No Fee solicitor can help you through the entire process and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’re ready to get started on your claim, contact us right away!
General Compensation for Psychiatric and Emotional Harm
If you have suffered psychological or emotional harm as a result of a car accident, your compensation may vary depending on the severity of your condition.
- £66,920 to £141,240: Severe psychological damage with serious effects on relationships and daily life, with a bleak outlook.
- £23,270 to £66,920: Moderately severe psychiatric damage, with significant problems but a more hopeful prognosis.
- £7,150 to £23,270: Moderate psychiatric damage; coping may be difficult, but recovery is likely.
- £1,880 to £7,150: Less severe psychiatric damage with a shorter recovery period.
If you have PTSD, you may be eligible for increased compensation. You can get advice and guidance on how much you can claim based on your specific situation.
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Key Information on Making a Claim for Anxiety After a Crash
You can claim compensation for anxiety after a car accident, even if you didn’t have physical injuries. Anxiety can happen from trauma, like a close call or witnessing an accident, not just from broken bones.
Here’s what to remember when making a claim.
- Psychiatric illness alone is enough: You do not need to have physical injuries to make a claim. Emotional harm is just as serious.
- Secondary victims can also claim: If you witnessed the crash or its aftermath, or if it affected someone close to you, you may be able to make a claim.
- Consult a mental health professional: Even if you do not believe you have anxiety, a professional’s diagnosis will back up your claim and help you understand what is going on.
- Do not take the first offer: Insurance companies might offer you a quick settlement. Don’t accept it, as it could stop you from claiming more later if your anxiety gets worse.
Speak to a Legal Expert About Your Anxiety Claim Today
Our panel of legal experts is here to help if you’re experiencing anxiety after a car accident. They can answer your questions and determine if you have a valid anxiety after car accident claim.
Don’t wait to receive the help you deserve.
You can reach us by calling 01412801112 or using our online claim form. Let’s get started today!
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