After a car accident, you may have mental health issues directly related to the collision. Scientific studies show that, “individuals who experience a serious motor vehicle accident (MVA) are at increased risk for psychological problems, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”

The impacts of psychological diagnoses can go beyond mental health, too. “Even a slight accident can cause extreme personal discomfort and reduce efficiency in a variety of ways and impair a person’s ability to return to work,” cautions New York’s Behavioral Medicine Associates.

Fortunately, most car accident victims will have coverage for their psychological therapy and other mental health treatments. This includes individuals whose accidents are covered under no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.

If you have any questions about getting psychotherapy or any other mental health treatment covered under insurance after a collision, speak to a Long Island car accident lawyer near you. The law firm of Carner & DeVita has been representing injury victims for over 60 years.

Call us now at 631-543-7070 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation case review today.

How to Tell If Your Psychological Treatment Will Be Covered by Insurance

The key to getting mental health treatment covered is to read the language of the applicable policy closely. You must also be prepared to prove that the treatment was a “reasonable and necessary” response to a condition that was a direct consequence of the accident.

Accident Victims Must Prove Their Mental Health Injury Was Caused by the Crash

A second key component of getting your mental health therapy or treatment costs covered is proving that they are “reasonable and necessary” remedies for conditions caused directly by the accident.

Another issue is that the insurance company may argue that the victim had a pre-existing condition. In these cases, the injured person can demonstrate that a new condition arose or an existing condition was made worse by the experience of the accident.

Fighting for Your Right to Mental Health Coverage Under a New York Car Accident Insurance Plan

To increase your odds of getting the mental health help you need and having it covered by an insurance policy, take the following steps:

  • Review the language of your PIP or applicable BIL policy closely to see any exceptions to coverage
  • Be prepared to obtain records related to any past mental health diagnoses or personal challenges
  • During your first sessions, describe in detail how your mental health conditions arose because of or were directly affected by the car accident
  • Follow your mental healthcare provider’s advice to the letter, and attend all follow-up sessions as expected
  • If you are opposed to a certain remedy prescribed for your condition, such as objecting to taking antidepressants, raise your objections in writing and ask for alternatives
  • Avoid discussing your mental health history or current condition with insurance adjusters without a car accident attorney present, since your answers may jeopardize your ability to obtain the needed coverage

With attention to detail, you can find mental health counseling or other psychological care services and potentially have them covered by your insurer. Working with an experienced car accident attorney on Long Island can increase the chances that your treatments will be covered and you will be prepared to counter any excuses the insurance company offers for denying coverage.

Don’t get bullied into avoiding the mental health care you need after a traumatizing and psychologically damaging event. Get in touch with Carner & DeVita to discuss your case, assess your damages, and strategize for obtaining the maximum amount of coverage available.

Schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our knowledgeable Long Island car accident attorneys when you call 631-543-7070 or contact us online now.