5 Tips to Speed Up Your Recovery After a Car Accident

The world may still be trying to return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic but another pandemic is already on the rise in the form of car accidents. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 6 million car accidents happen in the United States yearly. Preliminary reports of 2021 safety data showed that car accident fatalities to be around 42,915, a 10.5% increase to the previous year’s 38,824 fatalities.

Most car-related accidents are usually due to preventable causes such as overspending, driving under influence, reckless driving, distracted driving, not using seat belts, and auto defects. The key to reducing car accident statistics is for all road users to step up and become more responsible. That said, car accidents are still a reality on our roads.

Injuries from car accidents can range from mild to severe and the recovery process can turn out to be too much for some people. It’s worth mentioning that car accident injuries extend beyond the physical as there is the possibility of emotional trauma, something that must be properly dealt with if the person is to return back to their normal lives.

People involved in car accidents should listen to their bodies and give themselves time to heal. There are ways you can speed up your recovery process and ensure you return to your daily routine as soon as possible. Ultimately, how soon you recover depends on the severity of your injuries and pre-existing medical conditions but you can take to speed up your recovery. Here they are:

1. Consult a Doctor

The aftermath of an accident can be chaotic but one of the very first things to do is to consult a doctor, especially if paramedics do not arrive at the scene. Even if you feel or didn’t sustain any injuries, it’s still highly recommended you see a doctor after an auto accident as some injuries may not be immediately visible after the accident. This is especially true for internal injuries.

Usually, you need to go to your primary care physician who will diagnose you and refer you to a specialist if needed. Your physician or specialist, depending on who is treating you, will come up with a recovery plan.

2. Religiously Follow The Treatment Plan

Chances are that your treatment/recovery plan involved a lot of rest. You may need to take some time off work or stop some of your daily routines. For many people, this can be very frustrating. But it’s important you follow your treatment plan for fast and effective recovery.

Use all medications as prescribed by your doctor and attend follow-up appointments. If you feel a part or even the entire recovery plan is offering little to no benefits, don’t stop them. Instead, contact your doctor and inform them of the situation. Your doctor will review your treatment plan and make the necessary changes.

3. Consult an Auto Accident Lawiyer

Auto accidents tend to be even more frustrating when you are not at fault. But regardless of whether you are at fault or not, you should consult an experienced lawyer. You will need proper legal counsel and representation if you are sued by the other party or need to collect compensation if you aren’t at fault.

“After an accident in which a serious injury occurred, you need legal counsel to assist you to navigate the system. Without legal representation, you are at risk of being victimized by an insurance company that wants to pay out as little as possible.

The process of negotiating a favorable settlement must be in the hands of a capable, dedicated lawyer who will be steadfast in insisting on fairness and justice – that’s when you want a personal injury lawyer, on your side,” says Willie D. Powells III, an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to prepare for any legal issues that may arise.

4. Eat Healthy

Chances are your doctor will tell you to eat nutritious meals to speed up recovery after an accident. Leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruits, poultry, yoghurt, and milk are rich in a variety of minerals and nutrients and they will aid and fasten muscle recovery.

5. Seek Emotional Help If Needed

Emotional trauma isn’t uncommon after a car accident. People tend to experience a myriad of emotions such as anxiety, fear, helplessness, confusion, anger, and so on after a car accident. Usually, these feelings go away after some time. But when they don’t, they can get worse over time and become post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is very real and for car accident victims, the accident replays again and again in their heads. To get help for emotional trauma, have a chat with your doctor and you’ll be referred to the specialists if you need one.