What if I can’t ride due to PTSD?

18 months ago I was involved in a collision with a car that didn’t see me and knocked me off my bike. I was diagnosed with of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but luckily the majority of symptoms have now recovered. My physical injuries, including my broken collarbone, healed pretty quickly but I had to buy a car as I am too scared to get back on a motorcycle.  It is much more expensive to run the car (a modest VW Golf) compared to my Fazer. I am 38 years old, and I was thinking over my driving life time the cost could really add up. Is this something I can include in my claim?

Parvez, by e-mail

Answer

It may be possible: you should get a report from a psychologist or psychiatrist who will diagnose whether you have what is known as a phobic anxiety disorder relating to the fear of returning to riding a bike. They can also provide a view as to whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is likely to resolve your fear. If CBT is recommended then to comply with your duty to mitigate your loss (that is to keep it to a reasonable minimum) you should try the suggested treatment.

If the specialist states that therapy will not help, or if you try it and it does not help, then you can claim for the increased cost of running a car compared to your bike.