How to Bounce Back After a Car Accident

Bouncing back after a car accident requires more than bodily healing. Minor physical injuries may completely heal over time with proper medical care. However, emotional and mental wounds also need addressing to avoid long-term accident-related trauma.

Healing Physically

Healing the physical body is typically the first step in accident care treatment and recovery. Once an accident victim is out of medical danger, they can do the following to regain overall physical health:

• Follow any doctor’s orders;
• Take prescribed medication;
• Get plenty of rest;
• Eat well and drink enough water; and
• Exercise appropriately.

It is also vital to maintain a positive support system to stay on track with any appointments, medications, and exercise goals.

Healing Emotionally

Sometimes emotional distress masquerades as physical pain or tiredness. Car accident victims may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, headaches, situational fear, and avoidance behavior.

Like healing physically, healing emotionally requires a positive support system to reduce these feelings and stay engaged in life. Professional help is crucial when dealing with emotional trauma from a car accident.

A good support system could include:

• A medical doctor;
• A psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed therapist;
• Friends or family; and
• An accident support group.

There is no set time for emotional recovery, but eating well, exercising, journaling, and speaking with others about the process can aid in healing.

Healing Mentally

Physical, mental, and emotional healing after a car accident is intricately connected. Memory loss and problems concentrating may result from a traumatic brain injury or may be a sign of mental distress. Mental distress may also manifest as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Mental healing after a car accident starts with the following:

• Adhere to a daily routine;
• Seek professional help for any mental, physical, or emotional symptoms;
• Speak with friends and loved ones about feelings and struggles;
• Keep any follow-up appointments; and
• Do not isolate.

Getting outside and interacting with others is essential in the healing process. Whether or not that includes driving is a personal decision.

Driving Again

If moving forward with healing means driving again, there are ways to reduce the emotional and mental stress of getting behind the wheel. The first is preparation.

• Be prepared. Take a driving lesson or a defensive driving course. Learn to avoid potential hazards and spot dangerous drivers;
• Do not rush. Start driving again at a relaxed pace. Become reacquainted with driving by setting incremental goals;
• Use relaxation techniques. Learn deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques to handle stress and refocus; and
• Talk to a therapist. Seek the help of a professional counselor to meet driving goals and work through thoughts and emotions along the way.

Get help immediately for any car accident trauma and symptoms of mental or emotional distress. There is no reason to face the aftermath of a car accident without a strong support system.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

Having an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial when it comes to a car accident support system. If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries from a car accident that was not your fault, it’s important to reach out to the car accident attorneys at Shapiro | Delgado in Sarasota and Bradenton. Call us today for assistance.

At Shapiro | Delgado, our car accident attorneys are compassionate and award-winning. We provide the highest quality representation for our clients and want to review your claim at no cost to you.

Contact Shapiro l Delgado | Hofmann by phone at (941) 954-4000 or online now to schedule your complimentary consultation!