When we get behind the wheel, we never expect to be involved in an accident – much less one that results in a severe or life-altering injury. We expect that others on the road will drive responsibly, but when they fail to do so and cause a serious wreck, it can turn our lives upside down in an instant.
A Morristown car accident can be a traumatic experience, and it can have a lasting impact on the victim’s health, finances, and enjoyment of life. This brief guide shares some of the things you need to know about how to recover from a car accident, and where to get legal help if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence.
Tips on How to Recover from a Car Accident in Morristown
1. Take Care of Yourself
Your health should be your first priority. Even if you don’t have visible injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is because injuries like muscle strains, whiplash, and concussions can cause delayed side effects. Delayed symptoms may include:
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Jaw pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Dizziness and blurred vision
These are just a few examples of symptoms. A physician may be able to help you determine if you’ve suffered an injury you’re not even aware of.
2. Mental Recovery
The effects of a car crash aren’t just physical. In the weeks following your accident, you may feel anxious and have trouble sleeping. It’s important to look after your mental health during this time.
Be sure to reach out to friends or family if you need to talk. If you’re able to, it’s a good idea to get light exercise every day, such as walking. Consider setting aside time to discover new hobbies or other enjoyable activities. Most importantly, seek help from a doctor who can help diagnose and treat your anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions.
3. Physical Recovery
The more you prioritize your physical recovery, the better your long-term outcome will be. Be sure to attend any physical therapy appointments that are recommended by your doctor. You should also focus on optimizing your health as much as possible, so maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and exercise if you’re medically cleared to do so.
4. Give Yourself Time
How long does it take to recover from a car accident? This all depends on the extent of your injuries and your underlying health. Whiplash and lacerations may require a few weeks of downtime, while broken bones may require months of recovery. Some conditions will last a lifetime.
While you understandably want to resume normal life as soon as possible, it’s important to be kind to yourself during this time and be patient. It’s okay to take as much time as you need to get back on your feet.
5. Where to Get Help
Being involved in a car accident can be emotionally overwhelming. Everyone deals with this differently. If you’re wondering how to recover from car accident trauma, the following organizations have excellent resources:
- ADAA’s Anxiety and Depression Support Groups: https://adaa.org/supportgroups
- ADAA’s Therapist Directory: https://members.adaa.org/page/FATMain?
- PTSD Resources: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/index.asp
6. Get Legal Help
If someone else was responsible for your Morristown car accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical care, the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle, lost wages, and more – even if you were partially responsible for the crash.
The experienced car accident attorneys of The Terry Law Firm can help you seek the money you deserve so you can move on with your life. For a free case evaluation and consultation in Morristown, TN, contact us today.
