PTSD After a Car Accident? You Don’t Need a Broken Bone to Have a Valid Claim

Discover how Ontario law treats psychological injuries after minor collisions—and what steps to take if you’re suffering.

Not every injury leaves visible scars. If you've been in a car accident—especially a minor one—and are still feeling the emotional effects weeks or months later, you’re not imagining things. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can occur even after low-impact collisions, and in Ontario, it may qualify as a compensable injury.

Yet many people don’t seek help because they assume emotional trauma “isn’t serious enough” or won’t hold up legally. At Misir & Company, we see this every day—and we’re here to tell you: your mental health matters, and Ontario law supports that.

Let’s explain how PTSD is treated in accident claims, when it qualifies under Ontario’s laws, and what to do if you’re suffering after a crash that didn’t seem major.

Understanding PTSD After a Minor Car Accident

Why trauma isn’t limited to severe crashes

PTSD doesn’t only stem from high-speed collisions or catastrophic injuries. It’s a psychological response that can be triggered by fear, shock, helplessness, or loss of control—which happen in plenty of minor accidents.

Common PTSD symptoms after a car accident include:

• Nightmares or flashbacks

• Panic or anxiety while driving or as a passenger

• Avoidance of certain roads or vehicles

• Sleep disturbances

• Trouble concentrating or performing at work

• Mood swings or depression |

These symptoms often don’t emerge immediately. They can develop days, weeks, or even months later—making it harder for victims to connect their condition to the crash and easier for insurers to dismiss the claim.

You Don’t Need a Physical Injury to Make a Legal Claim

Ontario law includes psychological trauma—but many people don’t know it

In Ontario, personal injury claims fall under two categories:

1. Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) – No-fault insurance benefits available to anyone injured in a car accident.

2. Tort Claims – Filed against an at-fault driver when damages exceed what’s available under SABS.

   
   

PTSD can qualify for both if properly documented.

The challenge is proving the severity. Unlike a broken leg, PTSD requires medical and psychological evaluation to demonstrate how it affects your daily life. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less valid—it just means it requires a thoughtful legal approach.

The Most Common Barrier: Not Being Taken Seriously

Why victims delay action—and how that harms claims

Many people hesitate to speak up about emotional trauma after a crash. They’re told to “shake it off,” or they worry that without broken bones, they won’t be believed. This leads to:

• Delays in seeking medical help

• Lack of documentation

• Missed legal deadlines
  

By the time they realize something’s wrong, they may feel they’ve waited too long to act. This can be frustrating, especially when insurers start questioning the legitimacy of their symptoms.

At Misir & Company, we believe every trauma deserves attention. We help clients document psychological symptoms and connect with medical professionals who can assess PTSD properly. More importantly, we make sure their legal timeline is protected—so no claim is lost due to stigma or confusion.

How PTSD Claims Fit Into Ontario’s Compensation System

Understanding your options and limits

Ontario’s system offers benefits even when no one is at fault—but the type and amount vary based on injury classification:

Injury Type	Benefits Cap
Minor Injury (MIG)	Up to $3,500
Non-Catastrophic	Up to $65,000
Catastrophic (serious PTSD)	Up to $1 million+

PTSD may fall under non-catastrophic or catastrophic, depending on its impact. If symptoms interfere with daily functioning, work, or relationships, we push for non-MIG classification—unlocking greater benefits.

Additionally, if another party caused the crash, we may pursue a tort claim, which can cover:

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of income

• Cost of future therapy

• Impact on lifestyle and relationships
  

Our firm works to layer both claim types strategically so clients recover everything they’re entitled to—mentally, physically, and financially.

What Documentation You’ll Need

Proving a PTSD claim starts with the right evidence

If you’re considering a PTSD claim, it’s critical to start building your case now, even if you’re unsure about proceeding. Here’s what helps:

• Medical records from your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or ER visit after the crash

• Referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist, with a PTSD diagnosis if appropriate

• Therapy session notes, particularly about driving-related fears or functional impairments

• Personal journal entries showing day-to-day struggles

• Letters from employers or family explaining observed changes in your behavior

The sooner this evidence is collected, the stronger your claim will be.

How Misir & Company Supports PTSD Claims

Our approach: Build trust, gather evidence, and protect your rights

Unlike firms that only focus on physical injury, we take mental health claims seriously. If you’re struggling after a car accident—especially a so-called “minor” one—our job is to listen, document, and act.

Here’s how we support our clients:

1. Free, confidential consultation: You’ll talk to a lawyer, not a call center. We listen, ask the right questions, and assess whether your PTSD qualifies.

2. Medical & psychological referrals: We connect you with experienced clinicians who understand trauma and can provide documentation to support your case.

3. Strategic case classification: We push back against “minor injury” designations that limit benefits—and we make the legal case for broader coverage.

4. Full tort representation: If a driver caused your trauma, we pursue damages for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and future therapy.

5. Ongoing support: Our team follows your recovery, checks in regularly, and makes sure your needs evolve with your case.
   

Do You Have a PTSD Claim? A Quick Checklist

If you answer “yes” to any of the following, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer:

• Have you experienced anxiety, nightmares, or avoidance since the accident?

• Has your ability to work, drive, or engage socially changed?

• Did your symptoms start weeks or months later?

• Have you avoided treatment or speaking up due to stigma?

• Did an insurer tell you your injuries “weren’t serious”?

You don’t need to know all the answers now—you just need the right conversation. That’s what we offer.

PTSD from a minor car accident is real—and legally compensable

Don’t let silence, stigma, or legal confusion stop you from healing. If you’re experiencing the psychological aftermath of a car accident—even a low-impact one—you may be entitled to benefits and support.

At Misir & Company, we treat your emotional well-being with the seriousness it deserves.

Our role is simple: to believe you, to advocate for you, and to help you get compensated so you can move forward.

Speak with Misir & Company Today

If you’re experiencing PTSD after a car accident in Ontario, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps with care and dedication.

Misir & Company

880 St Clair Ave WestToronto, ON, Canada

Phone: 416‑865‑6274

Website: misirandcompany.ca