Every year, there are over 6 million car accidents on the roadways, according to estimates by the Association For Safe International Road Travel. As a result of these car accidents, 2.35 million Americans are injured or left disabled.
However, the impact of these car accidents spans much more than physical injuries drivers and passengers may experience. Being involved in a car accident can also cause serious upheaval in your family life, hindering your family’s path to financial freedom, and influencing their mental health.
As your family tries to move on from the incident, taking steps to address the consequences can drastically reduce the long-term effects, making it easier to chart the way forward together. Here are three practical ways to recover from a car accident.
1. Revisit Your Finances In Light Of Changed Income Circumstances
With over 2 million Americans getting an injury every year in car accidents, many families will experience medical bills and a loss of income as the participants recover. While some injuries may not be as physically limiting or need long physical recovery time, the mental impact, flashbacks, and developing a fear of getting behind the wheel again may cause you to miss work and lose valuable employment income.
Then there are car repair costs, which can cost you thousands. While families with insurance can access a refund, payment delay can result from investigation and judgment. You may also need to pay an excess when claiming.
Considering simple car repairs like a bumper replacement can cost you $900, you can be certain the cost of repairs will be at least a few hundred dollars. For families juggling the cost of raising kids, mortgages, and the general cost of living bills, this may be the difference that sends them into a debt spiral.
For the 50 percent of male primary breadwinners, the drop in household income can be disastrous. To combat this, file an insurance claim as soon as possible to shorten the timeline between compensation and expenses.
Speaking to a lawyer about your case for personal injury compensation can also help since they can represent you in your insurance investigation as well as any civil personal injury claim you may make.
If you can opt for a lawyer offering a contingency basis on cases to minimize legal expenses. According to Lopez Law Group, this means there are no legal fees unless you can secure a settlement. Also, it helps if your family can rely on an emergency fund to fill in the gaps in income.
2. Secure Legal Help And Clarity On The Way Forward
Besides securing legal representation to maximize your chances in your insurance claim, you may have to deal with other legal costs, particularly if your accident involved another driver. The blame game is not uncommon in car accidents. Having legal help on hand to explain your options is an effective way to recover from a car accident.
This minimizes the stress of the situation and helps you and your family resolve it quickly. You may opt to simply file an insurance claim or file additional emotional distress and personal injury claims. However, having a lawyer present to explain all the technical jargon and process can help you know what to expect.
3. Address Post Traumatic Stress in Family Members
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most common mental consequence of a car accident. It also affects both the driver and the passengers. The American Psychological Association claims car accidents are the number one cause of PTSD in the general population (non-military).
Another way to recover from a car accident is to look for signs of PTSD in your children or other adults that may have been involved so you can get them to open up or seek help. It may be in the form of flashbacks for adults and kids may display irrational fears, nightmares, and anxiety.
Attending family or individual therapy can help the family open up about their feelings after the accident. For children, seeing a mental health professional like a social worker or psychologist can help them heal.
Younger children with PTSD can also benefit from play therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. As their parent, the best thing you can do is listen, support, and reassure them.
Car accidents are a sad event for any driver, or parent. The aftermath of being involved in a car accident can be long-lasting, expansive, and lead to a disability. However, by taking the right steps early, you can help your family heal and put it behind you.
