Accidents can be dramatic, traumatic, and life-changing experiences. If you are recovering from an auto accident, have you asked yourself, “What happens now?” Knowing what to expect after an accident can reduce the fear and uncertainty you may be experiencing, and help you heal faster and get back to being your old self again.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, it can take weeks or even months to feel better after an auto accident. The treatment for motor vehicle accident injuries varies based on the diagnosis, and your recovery time will be impacted by many factors, such as age, your health prior to the accident, the injuries you suffered, and how quickly you started treatment.
There are things you can do to help speed your recovery. Here are just a few.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical care as soon as possible following a motor vehicle collision so you can get a full evaluation and proper diagnosis. Closely adhering to the prescribed treatment plan will not only speed your recovery time and help prevent new injuries from developing but will also strengthen your case to recover compensation from the at fault driver. If you fail to see a doctor and follow their medical advice, your case will be weakened, and it will be more challenging to get fair compensation.
Follow Prescribed Treatment Plan
The treatment process may be long and slow. The most effective way to ensure a complete recovery, and as quickly as possible, is by following the prescribed treatment plan. Some of the most common treatment options are:
Physical Therapy – your doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist. Based on the assessment from the physical therapist, your treatment may include active physical therapy, passive physical therapy, or a combination of the two. Active physical therapy consists of exercises you perform on your own or with monitoring. While passive physical therapy consists of exercises or motions someone will do to you, usually a physical therapist or associate. Working with a physical therapist may also prevent additional injuries after your car accident, and even shorten your recovery time.
Pain management therapy is often recommended to manage chronic pain.
Medication is also usually prescribed to assist with managing pain
and inflammation. Some medications can be extremely strong and become
addictive. Caution should be used when taking any opiate based medication. Be sure to communicate clearly with your doctor about your pain level, and treatment options.
Surgery may be needed when the injuries are severe. Depending on the surgery, recovery time can be as quick as a few weeks, or as long as months to heal.
Counseling can help you to deal with any depression that is frequently associated with chronic pain after a car accident.
Get Plenty of Rest
Getting adequate rest after an auto accident plays a huge role in your recovery. The body heals quicker and more effectively when asleep. When you are sleeping, the flow of blood to your muscles and tissue is increased, which promotes repair and new growth. Also, the levels of stress hormones in your body drop during sleep, which can help reduce internal inflammation. After an accident that causes a major injury, it is important that you slow down and rest frequently, so your body has time to heal.
Manage Your Pain
Pain can cause you to feel angry, hopeless, frustrated, and less motivated to complete your recommended treatment plan. It is important to know how to manage your pain. Pain management could mean you need to rest several times a day, use over-the-counter pain medications, or even get massages to help with sore muscles.
Follow an Exercise Program
Depending on your injuries, your doctor may prescribe an exercise program designed to help you regain full range of motion after an auto accident. Other benefits from an exercise program include improved flexibility, balance, and endurance. It will also help reduce pain and inflammation from your injuries. To heal as quickly as possible, take the necessary time off from work, limit physical activity, and give your body time to heal. If you go back to your normal exercise routine too quickly, your recovery could take longer.
Eat Healthy and Drink Water
Eating certain foods can provide your body with essential nutrition to help repair the damage from injuries. For example, fruits and vegetables are great for reducing inflammation, while proteins like chicken and fish will help to rebuild muscle mass.
Traumatic injuries, like those you may suffer following a car accident, can cause your body to dehydrate more quickly than when it is healthy. Your body uses more water to reduce inflammation, replace damaged cells, and repair tissue and muscle injuries. Increasing how much water you drink to at least 48 ounces daily will provide your body with the resources it needs to make a quicker recovery.
Additional Support.
Traumatic incidents, like a severe car accident, often result in anxiety, depression, or even PTSD. Many people develop a strong fear of driving, as well. If you are struggling with emotional or mental issues following an accident, get the care you need. A professional counselor or spiritual advisor can help you resolve mental or emotional issues from your accident. If you do not know where to get help, talk to your doctor. They will provide you with the resources available to you. Overcoming psychological trauma after an auto accident can be challenging, but with proper help, you can recover your mental health and regain confidence on the road.
Be Patient.
The recovery and treatment process may be long and frustrating. You may experience setbacks or feel like you are not making any progress. Continue to follow the treatment plan your doctor has prescribed for you and make your recovery a priority. Everyone heals differently; some people heal rapidly, while others can take a little longer. If you are struggling with pain from your injuries and do not feel that you are healing properly, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. But be realistic in your expectations for recovery.
Consult a professional.
The extent and severity of your injuries and damages are a major considerations in determining if you should hire an attorney. If you were seriously injured in the accident, or permanently disabled, you should have an attorney that will fight for you. Or, if the injuries were such that there are lingering issues that require long-term or ongoing medical treatment or future care, an attorney can help ensure you recover sufficient compensation to cover the cost of future medical treatment.
At McQuaid & Douglas, we work with accident victims daily, helping them get the care and support they need to overcome the physical and emotional trauma from auto accident injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an auto accident, then you should take the appropriate steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact a trusted and respected personal injury attorney today.
Remember that we never charge a fee unless we win. Call us today so that we may answer your questions, help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and recover the compensation that you deserve.
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