About 6 million car accidents occur in the United States every year with injuries sustained ranging from mild to severe. The recovery process after an accident can be a bit overwhelming. Simple tasks can turn out to be very difficult and victims may have to deal with pains of different severity. There is also the emotional trauma that needs to be dealt with. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to recovery.
The time for full recovery depends on the severity of the injuries and pre-existing health conditions. Your compliance with treatment also matters if you want to recover as soon a possible. All these factors will determine how soon you recover and it’s important you take time to heal. Don’t rush the recovery process.
There are definitive steps you can take after an auto accident to put yourself on the best path of recovery. And, you’ll find yourself returning to your normal routine sooner. Continue reading to learn about these steps.
- See a doctor immediately after an accident
Some car accident injuries are not visible immediately after an accident. In fact, some injuries may take time – hours, days, and even weeks – before they appear. So, even if you appear fine and are not in any pain after an accident, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Failure to do this may worsen your injuries and increase your recovery time.
Accident injuries like herniated spinal discs, internal bleeding, or concussions can be very fatal and turn out to be life-threatening. Apart from the obvious benefit to your health, seeing a doctor will result in medical records documenting your injuries. Such documents may be required by your insurance company or for any legal action concerning your accident. And without the document, you may be unable to claim any compensation.
- Find the right auto injury doctor
Auto injury doctors are specialists that have experience identifying, diagnosing, and treating accident injuries like whiplash, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and concussions. Your primary care physician can’t properly manage all these injuries and will most likely refer you to an auto injury doctor. You’ll find auto injury doctors in car accident clinics.
“Even a minor car accident injury can have long-term repercussions. Without proper treatment, the effects of any auto accident, workplace accident, or personal accident can continue to get worse over time,” says County Line Chiropractic, a Fort Lauderdale car accident clinic.
Another benefit car accident clinics offer is specialized equipment that will help you recover faster. You also prevent additional injuries and get back on your feet as soon as possible.
- Comply with the treatment plan
The road to recovery tends to be long and slow. However, you should religiously follow your treatment plan to ensure complete recovery. Part of your treatment plan may include taking time off work as well as reducing normal activities. You should also take all prescribed medications, participate in physical therapy, and attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor.
Don’t stop any component of your treatment plan even if you feel it’s not effective. Instead, have a chat with your doctor about alternative treatment options that may be more suitable for you.
- Rest, rest, and rest
Adequate rest is important to a speedy and complete recovery after an auto accident. Sleep promotes blood flow to your muscles which promotes growth and repair. And you need that after an accident. Adequate sleep can also help with internal inflammation and reduce stress.
You may feel a burning urge to push yourself and return to normal activities after an accident. But you shouldn’t rush your recovery. Learn to take things slowly and give yourself time to heal and recover. Pushing yourself too hard before you have completely recovered will only aggravate your injuries and delay recovery.
- Get help for emotional trauma
Car accidents may cause more harm than physical injury as many victims suffer from emotional trauma. Anxiety, shock, fear, guilt, grief, helplessness, and confusion are some of the feelings people experience after an accident. And these can linger and progress to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which affects day-to-day life and productivity. PTSD is to be taken seriously as it can get worse over time.
Treatment for auto accident emotional trauma involves talking with your doctor, attending group therapy, exercising, and meditating. Your doctor will work with you to determine treatment options that are best for you. Recovering from emotional trauma can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. But with help and time, you’ll get over your trauma and regain your confidence.
