Being a crash victim is a traumatic experience. It’s one that can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. However, your actions in the days following your car accident can set the tone for the rest of your recovery. Knowing this, keep reading as we explore five things you can do after your crash.
1. Seek medical care immediately after the accident.
Not all crash injuries are immediately noticeable. In fact, common injuries like head injuries, whiplash, tinnitus, spine damage, or concussions may take some time to develop. Consequently, the longer you take to seek medical care, the more extensive or irreversible your injuries could be. What’s more, when left untreated, some serious injuries, like internal bleeding, could result in permanent brain damage.
2. Take care of your mental health.
A majority of car accident victims develop psychological symptoms such as PTSD, insomnia, mood swings, and increased unease. Seeking therapy from a mental health professional can help accident victims restore a sense of order in their lives.
Finding the right therapist can be challenging, and this is where WithTherapy can help. WithTherapy is an online mental health service that can help you find a therapist online. Online therapy (teletherapy) works like traditional therapy, with the only difference being that it is administered virtually.
Like traditional therapy, online counseling allows you to develop a confidential relationship with a professional counselor. Through WithTherapy’s online therapy platform, you can connect with a licensed mental health professional through video calls, chat platforms, and text messages.
After a traumatic incident like a car accident, it’s okay to experience bouts of anger, anxiety, or even depression. Please consider mental health care treatment options if you have unresolved mental or emotional issues from your car accident.
3. Get legal advice from a licensed personal injury attorney.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA) key factors in motorcycle fatalities include distracted driving, alcohol use, lane switching by motorcyclists, and speeding. As a victim of a collision caused by a driver affected by any of these circumstances, you have a legal right to seek compensation. An experienced motor vehicle collision injury lawyer can represent you to help you secure this compensation.
A personal injury attorney is an attorney trained in personal injury claims. The benefits of hiring a personal attorney are endless. To begin with, the best personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they only get paid once your lawsuit is settled in your favor.
Most significantly, personal injury attorneys understand the value of your claim. They can create an accurate estimate of your injury claim by reviewing police reports and the factors, analyzing your injuries, factoring in the insurance company’s strategy, and estimating future medical expenses.
If it’s your first time dealing with an attorney, try seeking referrals from friends and family or using a lawyer referral service.
4. Find a support system.
A good support system can work wonders for your recovery. Knowing this, surround yourself with friends and family who lift your mood and help you feel motivated. What’s more, depending on the nature of your injuries, a great support system can also help you with daily tasks that you may have trouble completing on your own.
5. Consider your income options.
A personal injury can add an extra financial burden. This is because the recovery time from a personal injury can make you miss days or months of work. As you recover from an automobile accident, mounting medical bills, therapy costs, and your daily expenses can also strain your finances. However, just because you‘re not working at present doesn’t mean you have to be low on cash.
If you’re wondering, “Can I work? Ways to make money when you’ve had an accident,” some options include selling old items, freelancing, and exploring investment opportunities.
