After an accident, you may be feeling a range of difficult emotions. Depression, anger, and severe frustration are all common. Add to that the physical pain of a serious injury, and you can see how intervention may be necessary.
The following is a list of the best 7 ways to recover from car accident trauma.
Talk to a Therapist
If you’re not sure how to recover from car accident trauma on your own, a therapist is trained in post-traumatic stress and related challenges may be able to help. Most therapists will use the following techniques in these situations:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Visualization treatments
- Mindfulness practices
- Meditation-based therapy
- Deep breathing exercises
Discuss Your Emotional Trauma Claim With an Attorney
In order to recover compensation for your injuries and emotional trauma, you should speak with an attorney. In addition to helping you file your lawsuit, a lawyer can also help you work through the emotional experience you’ve gone through and are still experiencing.
Monetarily, your car accident lawyer may be able to help you receive damages for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Lingering anxiety related to the injury
- Time lost from work and lost wages and/or salary
Keep Records of Everything for Seeking Compensation
As you work with your lawyer to recover compensation for your injuries, you’ll find that having a lot of evidence for the effects of the accident and your injuries is important. If possible, provide the following:
- Pictures from the scene of the accident
- Eye witness accounts of what happened
- Pictures of the injuries you incurred
- Copies of medical and police reports
- Copies of medical bills and related expenses
- Documentation of lost wages and/or salary
- Documentation of other changes the accident and injuries have caused in your life
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Take care of yourself — return to normal
It’s important to take care of yourself by:
- Taking the medical advice of your doctors
- Returning to regular daily activities when you can
- Returning to work when you can
- Retaining and maintaining friendships
- Doing things you enjoy
Take some time before traveling busy intersections and highways again
Driving again can be a challenge for some people. It may be a while until you can travel busy intersections and highways again. To continue getting around:
- Stay on smaller, local roads
- Ask friends and loved ones to drive
- Take public transportation
- Walk or ride your bike when possible
Learn how to manage anxiety
Anxiety can creep in when you least expect it. Here are some activities that can help you reduce stress and better manage anxiety related to your accident:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- A new hobby
- Spending times with friends and family
- Traveling
- Reading
- Taking a bubble bath
Stay active, get exercise!
Always speak with your doctor before starting any exercise routine after a serious injury. When you are able, you may be able to do the following, which can help you stay active and maintain some sense of normalcy in your life:
- Walking
- Jogging
- Bike riding
- Yoga and stretching
- Pilates
- Golf
- Team sports
Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
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“If you ever suffer the misfortune of a car accident, be sure you tend to your emotional injuries with the same concern as any physical discomfort. Get legal help from an attorney.”
FAQs
Can you claim anxiety after a car accident?
Yes. Often, serious car accidents can cause lingering anxiety, which can impact your life in a myriad of negative, long-lasting ways. If this happens to you, you can include anxiety in your personal injury claim.
Can I sue for emotional distress after a car accident?
Yes. If you experienced acute emotional trauma after a serious car accident, it is possible to file a lawsuit with the negligent party and recover compensation for your psychological wellbeing.
How can I prove I suffered from emotional trauma after my car accident?
To prove emotional trauma after a car accident, you can find witnesses willing to testify, CCTV footage or use your testimony of the incident. A psychologist will write a report detailing the after-effects the accident has had on you.
Is there a difference between emotional trauma and PTSD?
PTSD is a mental condition triggered by witnessing a terrifying event. Flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety often accompany it. It can last for months or even years.
Emotional trauma refers to the response we have to a deeply distressing event, and it often overwhelms our ability to cope. This leads to feelings of helplessness.
Therefore, trauma is always part of PTSD, but all trauma doesn’t necessarily lead to post-traumatic stress.
How long before you can recover from emotional trauma due to a car accident?
It’s difficult to say how long it will take to recover. Each person is different, and after the immediate shock, you’ll need to deal with the after-effects. It’s good to talk about your anxiety with family and friends, but you should consult a professional if it doesn’t get any better.
