Understanding PTSD criteria in non-severe accidents

In Brief

• An exposure to actual or threatened death or serious injury is a criterion for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as per the DSM V.
• For psychological injuries, any recognised condition under the DSM-V is considered a non-threshold injury, except for Acute Stress Disorder or Adjustment Disorder.

Facts

The Personal Injury Commission (PIC) published its decision in Ozucargil v QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited [2025] NSWPICMP 102 on 19 February 2025.

A Claimant was involved in a motor vehicle accident on 26 September 2022. He was making a lefthand turn when a vehicle travelling at approximately 50 kph collided with the rear left side of his vehicle. The Claimant did not experience any immediate pain and he was able to drive the vehicle following the accident. No police nor ambulance attended the scene.