Getting into a car accident, no matter how small or how big it is, can leave you rattled, sore and wondering what to do next. Well, nobody enjoys the aftermath of a crash. There are ways that you can bounce back quickly, both mentally and physically.
There will be paperwork to fill out, but there will also be self-care to indulge in. Navigating the road to recovery isn’t always easy, but there are some top tips out there to help you to do so, and we’ve got a few of them for you below.
- Start with the essentials. Before you dive into your freezer to grab an ice pack and then the cupboard for an herbal tea to calm down, you need to file a car accident claim with your insurance provider. The sooner you do it, the smoother the process will be. You should make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation, from photos and police reports to driver info and medical records. Keep it all in one place, both digitally and physically. So that if your insurer or lawyer needs something, you’re not going to be digging through the glove box or inbox trying to find it.
- Get checked out. Even if you feel absolutely fine, it’s smart to get checked out.There are some injuries that hide behind adrenaline. Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and even mild concussions can really delay before coming out. Even if you feel OK after an accident, don’t skip out on the doctors. It’s not only good for your health, it’s important documentation in case medical issues crop up later that you need help with. Follow through with every bit of medical advice that you get, including the stretching exercises from the physio.
- Prioritise rest. Recovery doesn’t mean pushing through your day like nothing happened. You had an accident, which means your body is going to need time to recover. You need to rest, take naps and watch comfort shows. You also need to drink water like it’s your job. Your body will heal faster when you’re not stressed or running on empty. You should never feel guilty about hitting pause either, because even superheroes take a break between battles.
- Talk it out. The mental health side of being in a car accident is not easy. It can leave so much more than just physical marks. So if your confidence has been shaken, talk to your friends, a therapist, or anybody that you trust. If you feel nervous or anxious, it’s normal. And sometimes just saying that something scared you out loud can take a load off your shoulders.
- Get behind the wheel. At first, it feels intimidating, but getting back behind the wheel after an accident takes time. Take a short trip to the grocery store or around the neighborhood and start small. Avoid high traffic areas at first and bring a friend along if it makes you feel better.
It takes time to recover after a car accident, but once you are on the road to it, you’ll feel a lot better.