Our Opening Hours:
Mon - Thurs 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5.30pm
Talk to Thompsons Today. We’re here to listen.

Post Traumatic Stress & Car Accidents

Claim Now

To ensure we give you the most tailored advice regarding your data breach enquiry, we kindly request that you complete our specialised enquiry form. You can access the form
by clicking on the following button: Click here

Click here to return to the previous window

What are the statistics around mental health and road accidents?

Research suggests that over one fifth of road traffic accident victims suffer from an acute stress syndrome characterised by mood disturbance and horrific memories of their accident.

Anxiety and depression can last for twelve months or more after the event, and a range of mental disorders can occur.  

 

David Adams
Partner
Partner

“To have any claim for a psychological injury, it has to be a recognised psychiatric condition.” 

What mental illnesses can occur after a road accident?

The most common include:

  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Acute stress disorder
  • Adjustment disorder
  • Phobias

What are the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

  • Re-experiencing the accident through flashbacks and bad dreams
  • Feeling guilty, depressed and anxious
  • Feeling detached and losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
  • Finding it difficult to sleep or to control your emotions
  • Feeling tense all the time

What are the symptoms of Acute stress disorder?

This is very similar to PTSD, but results in an increased emotional detachment and reduced awareness of or involvement in everyday life.

What are the symptoms of Adjustment disorder?

This disorder tends to occur when someone cannot cope with a particular difficult event, such as an accident, bereavement, or even a wedding. However, for the condition to be diagnosed, the emotional distress or behaviour shown by the sufferer must be clinically significant, beyond what would normally be expected from those who have been through a similar experience.

What phobias can occur after a road accident?  

It is quite common for car accident victims to develop a fear of driving or travelling in a car. If this fear becomes extreme, to the extent that it is out of proportion to the risk involved, and interferes with the victim’s day to day life, hen it may have turned into a phobia.

Can I make a claim for PTSD after a road accident?

As part of the claims process, Thompsons can arrange for you to receive counselling and other treatments you require and recoup the cost directly from the negligent driver’s insurers.  We can therefore not only secure the compensation to which you are entitled but get you the best rehabilitation as quickly as possible.  Through our rehabilitation service, making a claim becomes part of the healing process.

If you have been the victim of a road traffic accident, contact Thompsons No Win No Fee specialists on 0800 0891 331 and we will advise you on your first steps to receiving the compensation you deserve.

Legal services for Car Accident 5 1177
Based on 2226 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Car accident injury claim

Jordan and others kept me up to date with every update on my claim progressing and were clear when explaining the process. I was never in the dark with how far along things were. Great communication both through phone calls and email.

Michael G
11 November 2025
5 / 5

Claim against Personal Injury - Thompson, Sjhone

Knowledgeable, Clear, Proactive and understanding approach from Thompsons initially, was only made better by great service, communication and attentiveness throughout the case. I received what I was promised they were going to pursue as a minimum, in just 8 months.

Sjhone Thompson
6 October 2025
5 / 5

Car crash

Thanks to thopsons this case has finally been settled due to the diligence of everyone concerned

Eileen anthony
22 September 2025
5 / 5

Car crash compensation

Very easy to deal with. I had no idea what to do but they kept me right all the way. Thank you.

Anonymous
25 August 2025
5 / 5

Traffic accident claim

I had an accident and had Thompson solicitors represent me on my claim. They were professional through out keeping me updated on everything. Would recommend them to anyone who has the misfortune to have an accident claim. Thank you.

Paul Williams
12 August 2025
5 / 5

Car accident claim

Had a nice experience with this company took a while but was sorted 👌 the people who delt with me had a lot of patience as I am not very good with emails was looked after very well thank you x

Elizabeth
28 July 2025
5 / 5

Excellent service, above and beyond

It all began with a freak cycling accident on my way to work one oct morning in 2023, unbeknown to me was the cause of the accident was a pothole in the road , I have been cycling for 20years plus and had never experienced an incident like this, but needless to say that when I contacted Nicola at Thompsons she was willing to listen and filled me with confidence, subsequently the defendant settled today with what I can only describe as a generous offer , thank you Nicola

James Mcmurray
11 July 2025
5 / 5

Excellent Professional Service

I have been dealing with Scarlett Small who has been excellent throughout the whole process. SHe has answered all questions promptly, given advice where required and guided me through the whole process. She has been thoroughly professional, explaining any jargon etc and fully explaining the process at each stage. I would highly recommend her and Thompsons Solicitors.

Tom
19 June 2025
Injured through no fault of your own?
Call us on
To see how much you could claim
Compensation Specialists
Our offices and meeting places
Talk to Thompsons
Claim Now