PTSD Car Accident Settlement Amount in Ontario: What You Need to Know

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — injuries after a serious car accident in Ontario. While broken bones and visible injuries are easier to prove, PTSD can be just as life-changing, affecting your ability to work, drive, or even leave your home.

If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you may be entitled to a personal injury settlement that compensates you for the emotional, physical, and financial toll of PTSD.

This guide explains how PTSD settlement amounts are calculated in Ontario, what factors influence payouts, and how to protect your rights.

What Is PTSD from a Car Accident?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event — like a high-impact collision.

Common PTSD symptoms after a car accident include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares about the crash
• Avoidance of driving or certain locations
• Anxiety, depression, or panic attacks
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Emotional numbness or irritability

These symptoms can last months or years and may require ongoing therapy or medication.

Can You Get a Settlement for PTSD in Ontario?

Yes. In Ontario, PTSD is considered a compensable injury in both:

• Tort claims – Lawsuits against the at-fault driver’s insurance
• Accident benefits claims – Claims through your own insurer

A PTSD settlement can include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering (non-pecuniary damages)
• Loss of income or future earning capacity
• Psychological treatment costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future care expenses

PTSD Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Ontario

There’s no fixed payout for PTSD — amounts depend on the details of your case.

Key factors affecting settlement value:

• Severity of symptoms and expected recovery time
• Impact on your ability to work (temporary or permanent)
• Need for ongoing therapy, medication, or specialist care
• Whether PTSD is combined with physical injuries
• Your age, career, and pre-accident health
• Quality of medical evidence supporting your diagnosis

For context:

• Mild PTSD with full recovery: Tens of thousands of dollars in compensation
• Severe, long-term PTSD that prevents you from working or requires lifelong care: Six-figure settlements are possible

How to Prove PTSD in a Car Accident Claim

PTSD can be more challenging to prove than physical injuries. You will need strong evidence, such as:

• Medical reports from a psychiatrist or psychologist
• Treatment records (therapy, counselling, medications)
• Employment records showing lost income or reduced hours
• Witness statements about changes in behaviour or mood
• Expert testimony linking PTSD directly to the accident

Time Limits to Claim a PTSD Settlement in Ontario

• Tort claim lawsuits: Generally two years from the date of the accident
• Accident benefits applications: Strict deadlines — in some cases, as little as seven days to notify your insurer

Missing these deadlines can severely limit or eliminate your right to compensation.

Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Early

Insurance companies often undervalue PTSD claims or question whether the condition is related to the accident. A personal injury lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can:

• Connect you with specialists who can properly diagnose PTSD
• Calculate full compensation, including future care costs
• Negotiate directly with the insurer for a fair settlement
• Represent you in court if necessary

Key Takeaway

PTSD after a car accident can disrupt every part of your life — but you have the right to claim fair compensation in Ontario. The sooner you get legal advice, the stronger your case will be.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer About Your PTSD Claim

If you or a loved one developed PTSD after a car accident, the personal injury lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you pursue the maximum settlement you’re entitled to.

Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

We’re not just any personal injury firm. We have a national reputation for client advocacy and proven results. Our Toronto personal injury lawyers take time to understand your situation and build the strongest possible claim.

• 💰 No Win, No Fee — you don’t pay unless we succeed
• 👥 Personalized legal support throughout your case
• 📍 Deep local experience in Ontario courts, tribunals, and negotiations
• ⭐ Thousands of 5-star reviews from injury, disability, and employment law clients
• 🗺️ Serving clients across Ontario in-person and virtually, wherever you’re located

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a callback through our online form.