Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for PTSD After a Car Crash in Texas?

Houston traffic can be brutal. A sudden crash on I-610 or Highway 59 may leave twisted metal, broken bones, and emotional scars that linger long after the scene clears. But what if the damage you suffer is not physical? Can you file a personal injury claim for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car crash in Texas? In many cases, the answer is yes if you meet certain legal requirements.

What Does Texas Law Say About Mental and Emotional Injuries?

Texas law recognizes that injuries are not always visible. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, personal injury claims can include both physical harm and mental anguish. PTSD may fall under that second category, especially when it results from a traumatic incident like a serious car crash.

You do not need to have physical injuries to bring a PTSD claim, but it is harder to prove. Texas courts often require clear medical documentation and specific, compelling evidence that shows the emotional trauma is serious, diagnosable, and directly linked to the crash.

What Is PTSD and How Does It Happen After a Car Crash?

PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. After a crash, symptoms may appear within days or take weeks to develop. Common signs include:

• Panic or anxiety when driving or riding in a car
  
• Flashbacks or nightmares related to the accident
  
• Avoiding people, places, or conversations connected to the crash
  
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
  
• Mood swings or emotional numbness
  

The more severe the crash, the higher the risk of psychological trauma. People involved in multi-vehicle pileups, rollover collisions, or fatal accidents often report long-lasting emotional effects.

How Do You Prove PTSD in a Texas Personal Injury Claim?

Insurance companies are more skeptical of emotional injuries than broken bones. To successfully file a PTSD claim, you need strong evidence. This often includes:

• A formal PTSD diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional
  
• Ongoing treatment records, including therapy, medication, or psychiatric evaluations
  
• Statements from loved ones about changes in your behavior or personality
  
• Proof of impact on your daily life, work, or relationships
  

Texas courts generally want to see that your PTSD is more than stress or worry; it must be a serious condition affecting your well-being.

Does the Type of Crash or Injury Affect Your PTSD Claim?

Yes. Courts may be more open to emotional injury claims when the crash involved:

• Serious injuries or fatalities
  
• Head-on or high-speed collisions
  
• Commercial trucks or rideshare vehicles
  
• Children or vulnerable passengers
  

Even witnessing a tragic accident may support a PTSD claim if you can show close proximity or a personal connection. For example, seeing a loved one hurt in a crash may increase the strength of a mental anguish claim under Texas law.

Are There Limits on PTSD Claims in Houston?

Houston courts apply the same standards used across Texas, but local jury attitudes and case history can play a role. Judges and insurance defense lawyers may look for clear, measurable effects of PTSD on your life.

Also, Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving emotional harm. If your PTSD symptoms did not show up right away, you may still have time, but it is crucial to start building your case early.

Can You Still File if You Were Not Physically Injured?

Yes, but the path is harder. Texas law allows PTSD claims without physical injuries, but the burden of proof goes up. You must show that your emotional trauma is:

• Directly linked to the crash
  
• Severe enough to interfere with your normal life
  
• Recognized by medical professionals as legitimate PTSD
  

Many successful claims involve both physical and emotional injuries, but emotional-only cases are possible with the right documentation.

What Compensation Can You Seek for PTSD After a Crash?

If your claim is successful, your PTSD may factor into your non-economic damages, which could include:

• Pain and suffering
  
• Mental anguish
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Future counseling or psychiatric care
  

These damages do not come with a fixed dollar value. Instead, they are based on your specific situation, the strength of your medical records, and how the PTSD has changed your daily life.

What Role Does Expert Testimony Play?

Expert testimony can make or break your PTSD claim. Most Houston courts expect to hear from qualified professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists, or trauma counselors who can explain your diagnosis and prognosis in plain terms. These experts help connect the dots between the crash and your emotional symptoms.

In some cases, your legal team may also bring in accident reconstruction specialists or economic experts to show how your mental health condition affects your job or earning ability.

Can PTSD Affect Your Ability to Return to Work?

Absolutely. For some people, PTSD makes returning to their routine job impossible. They may feel unsafe behind the wheel, experience panic attacks in crowded spaces, or struggle to focus. These symptoms can lead to:

• Missed work
  
• Reduced performance or job loss
  
• Need for career change or retraining
  

These are not just emotional costs; they are economic ones, and if supported by evidence, they can be included in your claim.

Do Houston Car Accident Cases Commonly Involve PTSD?

Yes. With over 60,000 crashes per year in Houston alone, PTSD claims are becoming more common. Accidents along I-45, the 610 Loop, or Beltway 8 often involve major injuries, fatalities, or traumatic scenes. These experiences can leave deep psychological wounds that deserve serious legal attention.

Even with the growing awareness of mental health, many PTSD claims still face pushback from insurers. They may question your diagnosis or downplay your symptoms. That is why documentation, timing, and legal guidance matter.

Struggling After a Crash? We Do the Work.

PTSD is real. Emotional trauma after a serious car crash can derail your life, and it is no less valid than a broken bone. At The Alfred Firm, we understand the mental toll accidents take, and we work hard to make sure your whole story is heard. Let us handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the legal process. We do the work.

Call us at 713-489-1875 to schedule your consultation.