People often focus on physical harm after a car collision, forgetting the impact on their mental health after a car accident. Emotional distress or the onset of a mental illness like situational anxiety or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can also be considered in such claims.

You may be able to claim treatment for your emotional distress, but the insurance company may give you some push-back, whether it’s your own PIP or the other driver’s. You may also file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and sue for emotional distress to secure the compensation you need to cover your treatment.

Our Suffolk County car accident lawyers are ready to help, so call us today at (631) 543-7070 for a free consultation.

mental health after car accident

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.

Proving that treatment is “reasonable and necessary”

Almost all insurance policies include a clause stating that the carrier won’t pay for any treatment that’s not medically necessary. Psychological treatment, like therapy or medication, can be harder to get approved than physical care. A broken leg is a lot less subjective of a claim than one for “emotional distress.”

You’ll probably need to provide your doctor’s diagnosis of a mental disorder caused by the accident, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Or, if you’re in therapy, your therapist may need to submit a statement describing your treatment and noting how it’s reasonable and necessary for your mental recovery. 

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 treatment 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

Experiencing psychological distress after a crash? We can help.

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.