Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Not every injury from a car accident is visible. Some people walk away without broken bones but carry deep emotional wounds that last much longer. One of the most serious of these is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD after a car accident can disrupt your sleep, your job, your ability to drive, and even your relationships. If you’ve been through a crash and are dealing with anxiety, flashbacks, or fear, you may wonder if you can get compensation for what you’re going through.
This article explains how PTSD is treated under Oklahoma personal injury law, what kind of evidence supports a claim, and how survivors may seek help for emotional recovery—both medically and legally.
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. In the case of a car accident, this could mean being involved in a serious collision, watching someone get hurt, or thinking your own life was in danger.
Symptoms can include panic attacks, trouble sleeping, flashbacks, or feeling detached from the world around you. Some people avoid driving altogether or feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 40% of motor vehicle accident survivors may develop symptoms of PTSD.
These symptoms might not show up right away. In fact, it’s common for PTSD to develop days or even weeks after the accident.
PTSD doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Research shows that some people are more likely to develop it than others, depending on several factors.
PTSD is classified as a mental health disorder that can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily tasks.
For example, women are generally more likely to experience PTSD after trauma. People with limited income, social isolation, or those responsible for others in the car—like parents with children—may also be more vulnerable.
If someone felt that their life was in danger or witnessed severe injuries during the crash, the chances of developing PTSD go up. The longer a person is exposed to the trauma—such as waiting at the accident scene—the more likely they may develop symptoms.
In Oklahoma, you can file a personal injury claim for emotional and psychological harm if it’s supported by evidence. PTSD is a recognized mental injury, just like a broken bone is a physical one. But to be successful in your claim, you’ll need to prove that the PTSD is connected to the crash and that it seriously affects your life.
Under Oklahoma personal injury law, emotional and psychological injuries like PTSD may be compensable even in the absence of major physical injuries, if supported by clear medical evidence.
A claim for PTSD typically falls under non-economic damages. These cover emotional pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life—not just medical bills or lost wages.
You don’t need to have a physical injury to file a claim, but having one often strengthens your case. A lawyer can help gather the medical records, expert opinions, and witness testimony needed to show the impact PTSD has had on your daily life.
To build a strong claim for PTSD, you’ll need documentation. That means seeing a licensed therapist or psychologist and getting a formal diagnosis.
Treatment records, therapy costs, and statements from people close to you can help show how your life has changed since the accident.
In personal injury cases, non-economic damages may include anguish, suffering, emotional turmoil, and a lower standard of living. Which often applies in PTSD cases.
Other helpful evidence might include workplace notes about absences, reports from vocational experts if your job performance has declined, and details of your treatment plan.
A recent study in France found that four simple questions could help predict whether someone might develop PTSD after an accident. These questions were:
A 2021 French psychiatric study developed a four-question assessment tool that predicted PTSD one year after a crash, with strong accuracy. One key indicator: believing your life was at risk during the accident.
Although PTSD can’t be officially diagnosed until symptoms have lasted at least a month, tools like this help identify survivors early and guide them to treatment.
Symptom | Common Triggers | Impact on Daily Life |
| Flashbacks or Nightmares | Loud noises, driving, news | Sleep issues, increased anxiety |
| Emotional Numbness | Crowded places, social events | Isolation, relationship strain |
| Panic Attacks | Traffic, honking | Avoidance of driving or commuting |
| Hypervigilance | Sudden movements, noises | Exhaustion, trouble concentrating |
| Avoidance Behavior | Driving past crash site | Loss of independence, work issues |
Yes, but you must have a formal diagnosis and documentation linking the PTSD to the car accident.
A licensed mental health professional can diagnose PTSD based on symptoms and their persistence after the trauma, typically after 30 days.
Non-economic damages, including mental agony, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, might be covered.
It depends. Many PTSD claims settle out of court, but if your case goes to trial, your attorney can help you prepare.
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma.
Therapist notes, psychiatric evaluations, medication receipts, and witness testimony can all support your claim.
PTSD is more than just stress—it’s a serious emotional injury that can change your life after a crash. If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD from a car accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the impact it’s had on your life.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we understand how emotional trauma affects recovery. Our legal team helps accident victims in Tulsa navigate their claims with care and clarity. If you’re struggling after a serious crash, reach out to explore your legal options and get the support you deserve
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
