You survived the car accident; the next step is not allowing your emotional health to fall victim to stress and worry. A vehicle accident is always a traumatic event, regardless of whose fault it was or how badly people were injured. Even the most minor fender bender is upsetting to most people—there's always that little nagging voice in the back of your head telling you how much worse it could have been. But living with what-might-have-been on a daily basis isn't healthy for anyone. In fact, allowing thoughts like these to overtake you can lead to more serious health conditions such as panic attacks. Get out in front of the aftermath of your car accident by taking steps to care for your emotional health too.
See It for What It Is
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there's a long list of negative feelings that can overtake you in the wake of a traumatic event, including:
When you feel these emotions, know that they are a completely normal part of the process, and don't beat yourself up over them. As time goes on, they'll become less overpowering. And the more you work to sort them out, the sooner relief will come.
Rally Support
Now is the time to call in the troops—your support troops, that is. Call upon those people in your life who bring you the most comfort, and lean on the shoulders they gladly offer—you need them more than you might think. According to The Good Men Project, sharing your emotional concerns, worries, fears and woes with a close and supportive friend can help you avoid certain pitfalls:
Feelings are mighty strong things that can creep up on you when you're least suspecting. Share them with someone now, before they build up and cause you problems in the future.
Seek Legal Help
Regardless of whether the accident was your fault, you need a good car accident lawyer to help you navigate the red tape that insurance companies often employ. It's in your best interest to talk with a lawyer before you speak with either insurance company. There may be extenuating circumstances that you aren't aware of, and admitting fault when you're still unsure can cost you higher premiums or even cancelled insurance.
Get Plenty of Rest
Even if your accident resulted in a hospital stay, you probably didn't get much in the way of rest. Hospital staff are notorious for hovering over their patients—checking blood pressures, sugar levels and more constantly throughout both day and night. After a traumatic event like a car accident, your body needs rest. When you're not sleeping, try engaging in stress-reducing activities like meditating, listening to relaxing music, or taking a warm bath.
Helpguide.org lists several techniques for getting your sleep schedule back after a traumatic event:
Bad things happen in life, but that doesn't mean you have to let them tear your emotional health apart. Seek comfort and support early on, get lots of rest, understand your legal rights, and remember not to beat yourself up for feeling human—these steps will help you navigate the valley of doom and despair and re-emerge on the other side as a happier, healthier you. Worry and stress serve no purpose other than to stall the recovery process. Do everything you can to be nice to yourself during times of trial.
Share2 September 2014
It can be hard to know what to do to protect yourself legally in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. You’re liable to be disoriented or in shock, you may be injured, and you’re surely worried about your passenger or the other driver. At least, that’s how I felt. The thing is, the things you say and do in the immediate aftermath of an accident may affect a legal case later. Depending on who’s at fault and what the laws are in your state, you may want to sue the other driver for damages, or you may find yourself being sued. My blog is designed to give you tips for a car accident lawsuit, no matter which side you find yourself on.