In the city of San Luis Obispo, a motorcycle accident can lead to emotional distress. When this occurs, a victim may not only be impacted in the long-term by their physical injuries, but by emotional anguish as well.

It can be difficult to imagine the trauma that victims of motorcycle accidents endure. Even when an accident doesn’t result in severe physical injury, many victims experience a sort of trauma that can hold them back from enjoying the quality of life they held before the accident. An accident victim may experience depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. A victim may also experience these conditions in combination with one another. While these emotional distresses can be difficult to deal with, they are typically compensable under California law.

While valuing physical damages can be done by adding receipts and bills, valuing emotional damages is not as straight-forward. Although it can be difficult to calculate the damages that should be awarded for emotional distress, there are factors that can help. Keeping a journal of your emotions and physical pain, seeking a diagnosis from a medical professional and asking your therapist to provide testimony on your behalf can all make it easier for a judge or jury to determine an amount of compensation that is fair.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out to an experienced attorney for assistance. You may be legally able to seek damages for more than physical injuries. Emotional distress can have just as severe an impact on your life.