Your next steps after surviving a serious car accident

On Behalf of | Jan 8, 2021 | Personal Injury

The weeks and even months to follow your involvement in a serious car accident in Texas can bring many unique challenges as you recover. Based on the severity of your injuries, you may spend a significant time in recovery and away from your normal responsibilities.

With the uncertainty of your future, some guidance about how to proceed may provide support as you continue to focus on getting better.

Coping with PTSD

The trauma you experienced will likely remain for a long time and continue to affect you throughout your recovery. You may find yourself reliving the accident, unable to stop thinking about what happened. This could affect your mood, your sleep and your ability to focus on other tasks needing your attention. Guidelines Health suggests that you work with a therapist to provide support as you navigate the complexities of your emotions and discover effective ways of processing trauma and managing triggers.

Another suggestion is for you to revisit the area where the accident happened. Because this could trigger an onslaught of emotions, consider asking someone to join you. Recognize that, standing at the accident scene, you survived a traumatic event. You can continue to live a successful life despite your involvement in a car accident. While difficult, acknowledging this can provide instrumental support in your journey to move on.

Regaining confidence

Getting back behind the wheel will take considerable time to feel comfortable with. As you recover, consider making goals for your effort to regain confidence while driving. When the time comes and you feel ready to try, practice in a quiet area with minimal traffic and even traffic signals. A large parking lot, for example, can give you the space needed to process your surroundings without the stress of other drivers on the road.

For the first several times you drive again, you could ask someone to accompany you. Having the support and encouragement of someone you trust can help you to regain confidence in your ability to drive again.

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