You may be entitled to pursue compensation when someone causes an accident that injures you. The money you seek can potentially cover the costs of your trauma and physical injuries. This is true when you suffer trauma after a car accident that wasn’t your fault
What Is Trauma and How Does It Manifest?
Trauma is a response to an experience that is emotionally distressing. Trauma can have a lasting impact on someone’s life when not dealt with properly. It is normal to have trauma after an upsetting event like a car crash, and it can manifest in various ways, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Hypervigilance
- Insomnia
- Avoidance
Failing to deal with your trauma can result in long-term adverse effects on your overall well-being. For example, if you panic every time you get in the driver’s seat of a car, you could have problems driving for the rest of your life. That is why it is so important to address trauma.
Dealing With Trauma After a Car Accident
While mental injuries can be less apparent than physical injuries, it doesn’t mean they are less critical. On the contrary, dealing with your mental injuries is crucial to your quality of life. The following can help you deal with the psychological impact of your car crash.
- Acknowledge your trauma: The first thing you should do is accept that you have trauma. Attempting to bury the trauma can be extremely harmful to your well-being. Once you acknowledge that you are experiencing trauma, you can begin to resolve it.
- Seek professional help: After a car crash, you should seek professional help to deal with your trauma. A professional can provide coping strategies and other tools to handle your trauma. When someone else is at fault for the collision, you may be able to recover compensation for the professional help you seek.
- Build a support system: You should surround yourself with people who help reduce feelings of isolation and depression. Having friends and family with whom you can openly discuss your feelings can help.
- Practice self-care: Engaging in activities that reduce stress can also help. Self-care can include exercising, meditating, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy. This is an ongoing process, so incorporate it into your daily life.
- Relax: Relaxing techniques can improve your mental state when feeling anxious or stressed. Practicing relaxation techniques can help regulate your nervous system and reduce the impact of the trauma. These techniques may include deep breathing and meditation to calm yourself.
- Avoid triggers: Certain things may trigger fear or anxiety after a car crash. These triggers may vary depending on the person and the circumstances of the collision. You can avoid or reduce your exposure once you know your triggers. For example, if you have been afraid to drive on the interstate since the accident, you may avoid it until you recover.
- Take it one step at a time: Recovering from physical and mental injuries takes time, so try not to rush the process. Increasing the speed at which you recover can set back your overall recovery. Breaking down your recovery into manageable steps can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
- Consider joining a support group: Support groups can provide a safe space for people with similar experiences. During support group meetings, you can exchange coping strategies and get the emotional support you need.
- Be kind to yourself: Dealing with trauma after a car crash can be challenging, so it is essential to be kind to yourself. You must understand that your recovery is not linear. Forgive yourself when there are setbacks. Acknowledging the impact of your trauma and permitting yourself to feel your emotions is vital.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney for Help
Ignoring trauma after a car accident can lead to devastating long-term issues. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we understand that dealing with trauma can be mentally and financially burdensome. Our legal team has the skill and knowledge to help you pursue compensation for your mental injuries.
If you have costs and or lost wages associated with trauma from a collision caused by someone else, contact Murphy Crantford Meehan. To discuss your legal options during a free consultation, call us at [phone-number linked=true] or complete our online form, and someone from our team will contact you.
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