If you are reading this, it may mean that you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident in Indiana. You might feel scared, confused, or even overwhelmed. That’s okay. These feelings are normal after something so unexpected. You may also be wondering what happens next and how to move forward. At our law firm, we understand how emotional this time can be, and we want you to know that you are not alone. If you are suffering from emotional distress after a crash, you may be able to receive compensation. This page will help you understand how to prove that emotional distress in an Indiana car accident case.
Understanding What Emotional Distress Means After a Crash
Emotional distress means the mental pain or suffering you feel after a traumatic event like a car accident. It can show up in different ways. Some people may cry a lot, feel afraid all the time, or have trouble sleeping. Others may have anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress. These feelings are real, and they can change how you live your daily life. You might not want to drive again. You might feel nervous around traffic. You might not enjoy the things you used to love.
Emotional distress is not just a feeling. It can be a real harm, just like a broken bone. That’s why the law in Indiana allows people to ask for money to help with the mental suffering they go through after an accident. But it can be hard to show what you feel inside. That’s where a case can become more complex. You must be able to show proof of how this distress has affected you.
What the Law in Indiana Says About Emotional Distress
Indiana law lets people who are hurt in a car crash ask for damages. These damages can cover many things like doctor bills, lost income, and even emotional distress. To include emotional distress in your case, you need to prove that your mental pain is serious and caused by the accident.
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.
The law does not accept every case that claims emotional distress. It looks at whether your emotional pain is real and whether there is enough evidence. The law also checks if the distress is something a normal person would go through after an event like your accident. That means the court wants to see that your reaction is understandable and that it matches what happened to you.
Signs That Show Emotional Distress
There are many signs that may help prove you are suffering emotionally. You might have mood swings, fear, or anger that wasn’t there before. You might need therapy or take medicine for anxiety or depression. You might miss work because of your mental state. Family and friends may notice changes in your personality. All of these can be used as signs in your case.
Keeping track of these changes can help a lot. You might write in a journal how you feel each day. You can write down how the accident has changed your daily routine. If you now avoid things like driving or crowds, that is important too. Even small changes in how you live your life can show that your mental health is suffering.
My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”
- Kathaleen Boyce
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."
- Rita Bridge
God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."
- Briana Shouse
Getting Medical Help to Show Your Emotional Injuries
Seeing a doctor is one of the most helpful things you can do after an accident. Even if you feel like you can handle things on your own, getting medical care is strong proof in your case. A doctor or mental health counselor can write down how the accident has affected your mind and emotions. These records can be used in court to show what you are going through.
You may also need to meet with a therapist or psychologist. They can help you heal and also help provide written proof that your emotional distress is real. These professionals are trained to ask questions, listen to your story, and explain how the accident is affecting your mental health. If they believe your distress is serious, their words will be a big help in court.
Why Telling Your Story Matters
Your own words are powerful. Sharing your story helps others understand what you are going through. If your case goes to court, or if we are trying to settle it, your story matters. You can explain how the crash changed your life, your feelings, your sleep, and your happiness. Maybe you once loved driving your kids to school but now feel frozen with fear. Maybe you can’t enjoy simple things like watching a movie or going to the grocery store without panic. These stories are real, and they help others see that emotional distress is not invisible.
Sometimes, people close to you like family, friends, or coworkers can also speak up. They may have noticed changes in your behavior. They may say that you have become withdrawn, angry, or fearful. These voices also help show what you are going through.
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How We Help Build a Strong Case for You
Proving emotional distress is not easy. That’s why many people ask for legal help when trying to get compensation. We work to gather the right kinds of proof to show how the accident hurt you emotionally. That may include medical records, counselor notes, written statements from you and your family, and other important documents.
We also work with others who may help explain your condition to a judge or jury. We look closely at how your life changed before and after the crash. We make sure all the right paperwork is done properly. Every detail matters when it comes to building a strong case.
The Role of Negligence and Fault in Emotional Distress
In Indiana, the law requires that someone else must be at fault for your accident in order for you to get compensation. This means another driver must have acted carelessly. Maybe they ran a red light, were texting while driving, or were going too fast. Once fault is proven, we can move forward in asking for damages for both physical and emotional harm.
It is important to act quickly. There are time limits in Indiana for how long you have to file a claim. This is called a statute of limitations. If too much time passes, you may lose your chance to ask for help. That’s why it’s best to talk to a legal team as soon as you can.
Why Emotional Distress Is Just as Serious as Physical Injury
Many people don’t talk about their feelings after a crash. They may be scared or think it’s not serious enough. But emotional distress is real and can stay with you longer than a physical injury. While a bruise or broken bone can heal in weeks or months, emotional pain can last for years.
If you’re finding it hard to return to work, care for your family, or just feel like yourself again, your distress should be taken seriously. You deserve support and help in your recovery. The law understands this, and so do we.
How We Can Help You Move Forward
You are not alone. You do not have to fight this battle by yourself. If you are struggling with emotional distress after a car accident in Indiana, our team is here to help. We understand the pain and confusion you are feeling. We know how hard it is to go through something like this and how tough it can be to talk about what’s happening inside.
Let us work with you to prove your emotional distress and build a case that shows what you’ve been through. We can guide you every step of the way, from gathering records to sharing your story in a clear and respectful way. We want to help you get the compensation you need to heal.
Reach out to Wyant Law today and let’s talk about what happened to you. Your story matters. Your recovery matters. Let us help you take the next step forward.