Contested accident claims can result in a hidden emotional toll of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe anxiety, as they prolong the negotiation and compensation processes. They can also lead to secondary trauma, as claimants face the possibility of financial devastation.
Financial devastation is undeniably a significant concern in accidents and insurance disputes. The latest data from the National Safety Council, for instance, shows that the 2024 average cost of a possible injury was $138,000, while it was $1.167 million for a disabling injury.
Should Claimants Accept the First Insurance Settlement Offer?
In most cases, accepting the first insurance settlement offer is unwise. Instead, consider having a personal injury attorney review your case first.
Agreeing to the first offer will "free" the insurer from any future liability. If your accident caused more injuries than you initially realized, you may face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
What's Behind Contested Accident Claims?
Disputed liability is a common cause for contested claims. It can happen if the defendant's insurer doesn't agree with your allegation and blames you instead.
In states with strict negligence laws, liability disputes can be a particularly significant source of emotional distress from claims.
One example is Maryland's contributory negligence rule. It bars anyone with even just a small "contribution" to an accident from making a recovery (i.e., compensation).
A lapsed policy can also lead to contested claims. Medical causation and pre-existing conditions are other typical causes.
What Is the Hidden Emotional Toll of Contested Accident Claims?
A systematic literature review published in the National Library of Medicine found that studies reported PTSD prevalence among individuals in road traffic accidents to range from 20% to over 45%. Over half of those diagnosed with PTSD even experienced symptoms up to three years after the incident.
Unfortunately, contested accident claims can make things worse, leaving emotional and mental scars that extend beyond the psychological impact of car accidents.
Severe PTSD or Anxiety
Victims already experience stress from accident claims, with the "typical" process already being time-consuming and involving many steps:
- Completing forms
- Submitting piles of paperwork
- Waiting for weeks for the insurer's initial response and another few months for investigation completion and decision-making
- Negotiating (back and forth)
With all those initial steps already being stressful, it's easy to see how claimants' mental health after accidents and claim contestation can further suffer, and why they can be at risk of developing more severe PTSD or anxiety.
Secondary Trauma
Another hidden emotional toll of contested accident claims is the secondary psychological trauma of having to:
- Go through extended dealings with the insurance firm's adjusters and lawyers
- Re-litigate the incident
- Defend one's credibility
The longer the delay in receiving compensation following a valid claim, the more stress, anxiety, and trauma the claimant would have to deal with, and the more damage their mental health can suffer from.
Fight for Your Valid Accident Claim
Contested accident claims can make an already horrible incident even more terrible, causing a hidden emotional toll in the form of PTSD, severe anxiety, or secondary trauma.
Fortunately, you can reclaim your peace of mind with the help of a personal injury lawyer. They can assist you in getting the compensation and recovery you deserve.
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