What to Expect Emotionally After a Car Crash

Car Crash

Each and every year there are more than 3.3 million injuries caused by car accidents. Of those accidents there are 40,000 fatalities, which is on the rise from years past. Unfortunately, our roads aren’t always safe and even if you are driving safely, following all the rules of the road in a safe vehicle it doesn’t mean every other driver is doing the same. Being in a car accident is a very scary and often traumatizing experience. Even minor injuries can still cause a lot of emotional distress in the victim.

While there is lots of attention paid to the immediate physical injuries, there is also that emotional aspect that doesn’t always get the same amount of attention. Just what should you expect emotionally after a car crash? Let’s take a closer look.

Immediate Feelings After the Accident

anger

For most people, there are a whole mix of feelings that happen pretty much immediately after a car accident. These feelings can include fear, nervousness, uneasiness, worry, anger, shock, disbelief that it has happened, and even guilt. It’s normal to replay the accident over and over in your mind re-living that fear and trying to figure out if it could have gone differently.

While these are all normal feelings, what’s not normal is if you start to obsess about them and they prevent you from living your life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Can Occur

If you find that you aren’t just able to work through your feelings and that they are getting better or lessened, then it could be that you are suffering from post-traumatic stress. This can be explained as feelings that seem overwhelming, get stronger over time, and aren’t just going away. They can change the way you act and even think. Of course this prevents you from going about your regular daily life.

Post-traumatic stress isn’t just taxing on your mental well-being it’s also very hard on your physical health. It may cause you to have problems sleeping, eating, and looking after your basic needs.

What Should You Do About Your Feelings?

accident

Whether the accident has just happened or a bit of time has passed and post-traumatic stress is starting to settle in, there are a number of steps you can take that will help your recovery process. First you will want to hire a personal injury attorney. Let the attorney look after all the legal details and fight on behalf of you. Removing this stress from your plate will allow you to focus on your health instead.

The next step is to start talking about your feelings. You can talk with family members, close friends, a support group, or a counselor. You need to discuss the accident and how you feel now. It’s also important to let your doctor know how you are feeling so they can monitor you and provide help. Staying active and trying to keep up with your regular routine can also help get you back into a more normal schedule.

Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Trapped In Thoughts

The most important thing to do after you are involved in a car accident is reach out for help – not just physical but mental help. This will ensure that you can get back to your regular daily life as soon as possible.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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