Can I Receive Compensation If I’m Not Physically Hurt in a Crash?

Those injured in an accident due to the negligent actions of another driver are often able to recover compensation for their medical expenses. However, if an individual does not sustain any physical traumatic injuries in a vehicle accident, can they still recover compensation?

It may be possible to recover compensation for other damages, but we strongly encourage you to speak to a skilled vehicle accident lawyer who can help you determine the best course of action for your situation.

Property Damage Compensation

Even if you were able to walk away from a vehicle accident unscathed, that does not necessarily mean your vehicle is doing okay. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to extensive property damage. This is particularly true for newer vehicles, where even a fender bender can lead to several thousand dollars’ worth of property damage bills.

In addition to the property damage expenses, it could take quite some time for the vehicle to get repaired, leaving you without transportation. In addition to possible property damage compensation, crash victims may be able to receive compensation for rental vehicle costs.

Aside from vehicle damage, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience other types of property damage in a vehicle accident. This can include damage to jewelry, clothing, computers, phones, watches, or other devices. All of this damage could lead to major unexpected expenses. Any damaged property should be included in the vehicle accident settlement.

Can You Recover Compensation for Emotional Distress?

Individuals can experience various types of emotional distress as a result of a vehicle accident, even in the absence of physical injuries. Stressful incidents like vehicle accidents can leave individuals with prolonged feelings of anxiety or fear, and emotional stress can affect a person’s overall health.

Even though emotional stress, which is a form of pain and suffering, can be just as damaging as physical trauma associated with a vehicle accident, recovering compensation for emotional distress is much more likely to occur in conjunction with compensation related to physical injuries. Generally, victims must have sustained physical injuries in order to claim pain and suffering damages.

There may be some exceptions to this, and an attorney can help you understand the full scope of your overall vehicle accident claim. If you notice any signs of emotional distress after the incident occurs, we encourage you to speak to a medical professional and let your attorney know that you are seeking medical care. Some of these signs include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Flashbacks related to the incident
• Anxiety about riding in an automobile
• Panic attacks
• Unprovoked or unexpected emotions
• Extreme sadness
• Fatigue
• Nightmares

Speak to an Attorney About Your Claim

If you have any questions about your vehicle accident claim in Chicago, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Even if you are not sure about whether or not you have a valid claim against another party, we encourage you to seek a free consultation. An attorney can examine the facts of your case and help you decide what steps to take next to recover the compensation you need.