You survived the crash, but the impact didn’t end on the road. Weeks later, you still wake in the night, heart racing. Passing the intersection where it happened sends a wave of panic through your body. Even short drives feel impossible when your mind replays the accident in sharp detail. This isn’t just stress; it could be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it can change every part of your life.
Under §§ 29-39-101 — 29-39-104, Tennessee law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for PTSD and other psychological injuries, but you’ll need strong medical evidence linking your condition to the crash. With the help of a Clarksville car accident lawyer, you can pursue damages for therapy costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we know the pain you feel isn’t always visible. For nearly 30 years, our firm has stood beside injured people in Clarksville and across Tennessee, holding insurance companies and negligent drivers accountable for both physical and psychological injuries. If PTSD is affecting your work, relationships, or ability to function, the law may allow you to seek compensation for these damages.
Does Tennessee Law Recognize PTSD as a Compensable Injury?
Yes. Tennessee law allows personal injury victims to recover compensation for emotional trauma and psychological damages when they are caused by someone else’s negligence. This means PTSD and other mental health conditions resulting from a car accident can be included in your claim.
In legal terms, PTSD falls under non-economic damages, which compensate for harm that doesn’t have a direct bill or receipt attached. These damages can be just as significant as medical expenses for broken bones or surgeries. Tennessee courts recognize that mental injuries can cause long-term suffering and require extensive treatment.
However, unlike physical injuries, the lack of concrete evidence for psychological harm can make it difficult to prove. Your lawyer will work with medical and mental health professionals to connect your diagnosis directly to the accident and demonstrate its impact on your life.
How Do You Prove PTSD After a Car Accident?
PTSD isn’t always outwardly obvious—insurance adjusters and defense lawyers may question its validity. That’s why detailed documentation is crucial. Evidence often includes:
- Official mental health diagnosis. A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist must confirm your PTSD diagnosis and demonstrate how it is connected to your accident.
- Treatment records. Notes from therapy sessions, psychiatric care, or counseling provide a record of your ongoing symptoms.
- Testimony from medical experts. Mental health professionals can explain how PTSD affects your daily life and your ability to work.
- Statements from friends and family. People close to you can describe changes in your mood, behavior, and relationships since the crash.
- Personal journal entries. Written accounts of nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety episodes can strengthen your case by showing a pattern over time.
A Clarksville car accident lawyer can coordinate with your medical team to ensure your documentation meets Tennessee’s evidentiary standards.
What Types of Compensation Are Available for Psychological Damages?
When PTSD is part of your car accident injury claim, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:
- Medical treatment costs. Therapy, psychiatric care, and medication expenses may be recoverable if linked to your accident.
- Lost income. If PTSD prevents you from working (temporarily or permanently), you can seek compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. This covers the mental anguish, fear, and reduced enjoyment of life caused by PTSD.
- Loss of consortium. If your condition affects your relationships, your spouse may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship and support.
Tennessee has a cap on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases—generally $750,000, or $1 million for catastrophic injuries.
What Challenges Could You Face When Suing for PTSD?
Even when your PTSD is severe, insurance companies often push back on mental health claims. Common challenges include:
- Pre-existing mental health conditions. Insurers may argue that your symptoms existed before the crash.
- Delay in diagnosis. If you waited to seek treatment, they might claim your PTSD was caused by another event.
- Subjective nature of symptoms. Unlike a visible injury, PTSD relies on personal accounts and professional evaluations.
Overcoming these challenges requires thorough evidence and skilled legal representation. An experienced Clarksville car accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments and present your case persuasively to a judge or jury.
How Long Do You Have to File a PTSD Claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including those involving PTSD—is generally one year from the date of the accident. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country.
If you miss this window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner they can preserve evidence and file your claim properly.
Living With PTSD After a Car Accident
PTSD is more than an emotional scar—it can disrupt your career, strain relationships, and limit your independence as you rebuild your life. You might avoid driving altogether, withdraw from social situations, or battle constant anxiety that makes even simple tasks exhausting.
In Tennessee, the law doesn’t expect you to bear these burdens alone when someone else’s negligence caused them. With the right legal support, you can seek compensation that covers both the financial cost of your treatment and the emotional toll on your life.
While a lawsuit can’t erase the trauma of your accident, it can provide the resources you need to access quality care and focus on recovery. In some cases, holding the responsible party accountable also gives victims a sense of closure that helps them move forward.