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Tennessee PTSD After Car Accident


Car accidents don’t just leave behind broken bones or medical bills — they often cause lasting emotional and psychological trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common and serious conditions car crash victims face. If you are struggling with flashbacks, anxiety, or fear after a wreck in Tennessee, you may have the right to pursue a claim for compensation.

At GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers, our team understands that emotional injuries can be just as devastating as physical ones. We help car accident victims across Tennessee hold negligent drivers accountable and recover damages for PTSD and other invisible injuries. Call us today at 615-823-8233 to discuss your case in a free consultation.

PTSD After a Car Accident in Tennessee

Not every injury from a crash is visible. Psychological harm, such as PTSD, can interfere with every part of your life — work, relationships, and even your ability to drive again. PTSD is recognized by Tennessee courts as a compensable injury, meaning you may be entitled to financial recovery if another driver’s negligence caused your trauma. Car accident victims may develop symptoms such as:

  • Flashbacks or reliving the accident
  • Intense anxiety or panic attacks
  • Avoidance of driving or riding in vehicles
  • Difficulty sleeping or recurring nightmares
  • Emotional numbness or depression

These symptoms often require ongoing therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes, making it crucial to pursue compensation if someone else was at fault.

Tennessee Laws on PTSD Claims After Tennessee Car Accidents

When filing a PTSD lawsuit in Tennessee, you need to understand the laws that govern personal injury and emotional distress claims. These laws include important deadlines, requirements for proving damages, and rules that could impact how much compensation you can receive.

Statute of Limitations

Tennessee law generally gives you one year from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries, including PTSD. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to pursue compensation.

Proving Negligence

To succeed in a PTSD car accident claim, you must prove that another driver acted negligently. This includes showing:

  • The driver owed you a duty of care (all drivers must operate safely).
  • The driver breached that duty (such as speeding, texting, or drunk driving).
  • The breach caused the accident and your injuries.
  • You suffered damages, including PTSD symptoms, medical bills, or lost wages.

Medical Evidence for PTSD

Tennessee courts require proof that your PTSD is directly related to the crash. Evidence may include:

  • Diagnoses from psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists
  • Medical records showing treatment history
  • Testimony from expert witnesses
  • Documentation of therapy costs and medications

Damages Available in a PTSD Car Accident Claim

Recovering from PTSD often requires ongoing treatment and may prevent you from working or enjoying life as you once did. A successful claim may include damages such as:

  • Medical expenses: therapy, counseling, medication, and future treatment
  • Lost income: wages you missed due to your condition
  • Loss of earning capacity: if PTSD prevents you from returning to your job
  • Pain and suffering: emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: inability to engage in hobbies, travel, or social activities

Why Work With GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers

Insurance companies often downplay or deny PTSD claims because the injuries are not visible. At GriffithLaw, we know how to build strong cases with medical evidence, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of Tennessee law. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring clients are fully compensated for both physical and emotional injuries.

We proudly represent car accident victims in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and throughout Tennessee. When you hire us, you get a team that fights aggressively to protect your rights.

Call a Tennessee Car Accident PTSD Lawyer Today

If you are suffering from PTSD after a car accident, you do not have to face the recovery process alone. At GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers, we help victims seek justice and financial relief for the trauma they have endured. Don’t wait — Tennessee’s deadlines are short, and acting quickly can protect your case.

Call us today at 615-823-8233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.