Some scars are not visible on the body. They are held in a place that, to those looking from the outside, remains invisible, but which, for the person living with them, is a daily reminder of something that happened and never fully passed. It continues to make itself known, without warning, schedule, or mercy.
For many survivors of motorbike, pedal bike and e-scooter accidents, this is the reality of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The physical injuries may heal. The broken bones set, the bruises fade, the wounds close. But the psychological damage, left unaddressed or unrecognised, can linger long after the body has recovered, reshaping how a person moves through the world.
What is less widely understood is that this kind of harm is compensable. If you have developed PTSD or another psychological injury following a bike accident that was not your fault, you have the right to pursue a claim, just as you would for any physical injury.
What counts as a psychological injury?
Psychological injury is a broad term that covers any form of mental harm caused by a traumatic event. PTSD is the most widely known. It involves persistent flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness that continue long after the incident itself. Many accident survivors find themselves unable to ride again, or even to travel near busy roads, without reliving the moment of impact.
Anxiety and panic attacks are also common, triggered by everyday situations that previously carried no significance, such as the sound of a horn, the approach of a junction, or the sight of a vehicle travelling too close. Depression frequently develops alongside these conditions, particularly where injuries have affected a person’s ability to work or maintain their independence. Other recognised forms of psychological injury include specific phobias related to road travel and adjustment disorder, a condition in which a person struggles to return to normal life following a traumatic experience.
These are genuine, diagnosable medical conditions. They are not a sign of weakness.
Why psychological injuries are harder to prove
Physical injuries leave a visible record, such as a fracture on an X-ray. The evidence exists in a form that the medical and legal systems are well equipped to assess.
Psychological injuries are different. A person living with PTSD may appear entirely functional to those around them, including colleagues, family members and even their GP if they have not disclosed the full extent of their symptoms. The condition is internal, and the gap between how someone appears and how they are actually coping can be considerable.
This invisibility creates a practical challenge in the context of a compensation claim. Without clear documentation, insurers and opposing legal teams may underestimate the severity of the harm or dispute whether it is connected to the accident at all.
This is why building a strong evidential record matters from the outset. Seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms develop, being open with your doctor about how the accident has affected your mental health, and keeping a personal record of how your condition affects your daily life can all strengthen a claim considerably. A formal assessment from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist will typically form the foundation of any legal action.
How compensation is calculated
Psychological injury claims are assessed in the same way as actions for physical harm, using guidelines published by the Judicial College. These set out the compensation ranges courts apply to different conditions based on their severity, duration, and impact on daily life.
For PTSD specifically, the brackets are broadly as follows:
- Severe PTSD, where symptoms are permanent and prevent a person from functioning in most areas of life, can attract awards. of £59,860 to £100,670.
- Moderately severe PTSD, where professional help has brought some improvement but significant disability remains, falls in the range of £23,150 to £59,860.
- Moderate PTSD, where recovery is largely complete with some persisting effects, typically attracts between £8,180 and £23,150.
- Less severe cases, with near-full recovery within two years, generally fall between £3,950 and £8,180.
These figures cover what is known as general damages, which is the compensation awarded for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. A claim may also include special damages, covering financial losses such as lost earnings, the cost of therapy and treatment, travel to medical appointments, and any adaptations required at home.
Where psychological trauma exists alongside physical harm, both are assessed and claimed together. The combined effect on your quality of life is taken into account.
Taking the first step
Seeking help for PTSD can feel daunting, particularly when the injuries involved are invisible to those around you. Reaching out to a healthcare professional is often an important first step, both for your wellbeing and for ensuring you receive the support you need.
If your psychological injuries arose from an accident that was not your fault, speaking with an experienced solicitor can help you understand your options.
A compensation claim cannot erase the trauma of what happened. It can, however, provide access to treatment, alleviate financial pressures, and acknowledge the very real impact that psychological injuries can have on a person’s life.
Our “no win, no fee” solicitors are here to guide you through the process with sensitivity and expertise. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and find out whether you could make a claim.