Being injured in a car accident can be a scary and painful experience, especially when your injuries are severe. However, there are ways to make your recovery a little easier by giving your body what it needs to heal.
Reduce stress and anxiety by talking to a lawyer
Physical pain aside, handling the aftermath of a car accident can make you feel anxious and stressed, both of which can take a toll on your physical health and prolong healing. The process isn’t straightforward and making mistakes can cost you your case.
Trying to get fairly compensated can be a challenge even when you’re not at fault, but a lawyer will make it easier. Car accident attorneys know the law inside and out and will move your case forward as fast as possible. For instance, whether you go through insurance or the courts, there are time limits to filing a claim. Each state has a different statute of limitations and if you don’t file within that time period, you’ll be out of luck. For example, in South Carolina, you have three years to file an accident lawsuit and the clock starts ticking on the day of the incident. Three years may seem like a long time, but if you put it off, time can slip by fast.
Working with an attorney ensures you don’t need to think about the complexities of your case and how to get compensated. They’ll handle everything and you’ll just need to follow their directions.
Get a comprehensive medical evaluation
After a car accident, it’s easy to brush off minor aches and pains, but sometimes injuries don’t show up fully right away. Minor pain can be a sign of a larger injury that needs time to develop, like whiplash, a concussion, or internal bleeding. Getting checked out by a medical professional is the only way to detect hidden injuries.
Rest more than you think is necessary
If you’re the kind of person who feels like they need to get back to work as soon as possible, that’s only going to do more harm. After an injury, your body needs more rest than you might think.
Take all the time off work that you can get, and don’t engage in physical activity beyond what your doctor recommends. It won’t hurt to take more downtime, but it can harm your healing progress if you engage in activity too soon.
Manage your pain
Effective pain management might take a little creativity on your end. If your doctor won’t prescribe painkillers, or if the painkillers you’re taking don’t work, consider alternative options. For example, infrared heat can reduce swelling and inflammation, and natural remedies, like arnica, can alleviate pain significantly. Arnica is applied topically as a cream, salve, or ointment, and is excellent for soothing sore muscles, reducing inflammation, and healing wounds.
Other ways to manage pain include alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. However, consult your physician before using any therapy that manipulates your physical body to make sure it won’t worsen your injuries.
Take care of your mind
In addition to physical pain, it’s important to manage your emotional wellbeing. Being involved in a car accident is traumatic and can have a significantly negative emotional impact. For instance, many people develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suffer from flashbacks, distressing dreams, a negative mood, and a heightened state of anxiety. These are not states you want to be in for long periods of time.
To keep your emotions balanced, it helps to practice mindfulness meditation, go for regular walks in nature, and practice deep breathing. If you feel stuck, try discussing your feelings with someone you trust or see a professional therapist. Mental health professionals are great at helping people process trauma and developing healthy coping strategies.
Recovering from an injury takes time and care
Recovering from injuries suffered in a car crash requires more than just waiting for cuts and bruises to heal. It also takes effort to listen to your body, nurture your mind, and be proactive about your healing journey. Physical and mental healing takes time, so give yourself the chance to bounce back by being patient with yourself and seeking support when needed.
Even with permanent scars or long-term injuries, your recovery will be less stressful when you take it easy.
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