Road accidents are still a huge problem in the US, with the country recording more than 6 million crashes every year since 2014, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Accidents can be caused by various factors including poor judgment on the driver’s part, bad driving conditions, and someone’s outright negligence, to name a few. If you’ve been involved in a serious road accident and you’re lucky enough to escape with your life, chances are that you’re in for a long road to recovery. It may be the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do, but with the right attitude and approach, you can recover and go back to how things were before the accident.
Seeking immediate medical attention
The shock and intense rush of adrenaline after an accident can mask injuries, sometimes even for weeks. For example, while a seat belt can save your life in a serious accident, it can cause internal injuries when your whole body weight is flung against it at pace, and if you take too long to seek treatment, the results can be disastrous. As such, it’s important to start your recovery at a good hospital where they can run all the necessary tests such as x-ray imaging, MRI, and ultrasound to discover and start treatment for any fractures, joint instability, and severe tissue damage they discover. Treatments can include icing the affected areas, taking medications, surgery, and physical therapy to prevent chronic ailments and restore normal function.
Paying for medical expenses
With the cost of health care rising in the US, it’s easy for medical bills to start piling up. This is where insurance comes in; if you caused the accident, your auto insurance policy can pay for the medical bills if you have medical payments (MedPay) and personal injury protection (PIP) as a part of it. If you don’t have MedPay or PIP coverage or they’re insufficient to cover your medical bill, you can use your health insurance. Medical bills resulting from an accident that you did not cause should be covered by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. But, if you detect an unwillingness on their part, you may seek redress through the legal system. For example, if the accident leaves you with traumatic brain injuries, a brain injury attorney can be instrumental in proving that other driver’s negligence resulted in the accident that caused your injuries and help you recover damages.
Watch your diet
You can support your road to recovery by ensuring that the food you eat has all the nutrients you need to heal. For example, vegetables and fruits are vital for reducing inflammation while foods rich in protein such as fish and chicken are needed to rebuild your muscles and other damaged tissues. You can consult your doctor or nutrition to come up with an effective diet plan depending on the nature of your injuries. While at it, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Since your body dehydrates faster than normal after a serious injury, upping your water intake is a key part of your recovery process.
Dealing with psychological trauma
After a serious accident, it’s not uncommon to suffer from mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), depression, and anxiety, especially if the accident leaves you with permanent injuries. If you don’t address these psychological issues, they may linger for years and cause other problems such as drug addiction, a strong fear of driving, and the destruction of personal relationships. As such, it’s important to consult a mental health professional so they can help you deal with the issues through therapy, medications, and meditation.
The steps you take after a serious road accident are vital in your recovery journey. By seeking the best medical care available, getting on a recovery diet, and dealing with PTSD and other mental health issues that pop up, you can speed up your recovery process and get back to life as it was before the accident.
