Picking up the Pieces after an Auto Accident

Many people fail to prepare themselves for auto accidents because they simply believe that they’re not likely to be involved in one. Even people who have been injured in car accidents previously think that they won’t experience another simply because they don’t believe that their luck can be that rotten. Unfortunately, insurance statistics show that the average person has to file a motor vehicle insurance claim once every 19 years. This makes it imperative for everyone to fully understand how to get back on their feet if they are involved in a car accident that leaves them seriously injured. Dealing with Injuries

One of the most important aspects of getting back on one’s feet after a car accident is healing from any injuries. Even if a person doesn’t think that they’ve sustained serious injuries, they should visit a medical professional. A whiplash injury, for instance, can simply feel like a little pain in the neck. Left untreated, however, whiplash can lead to serious physical and even emotional issues in the future.

It’s important to fully follow a doctor’s instructions after sustaining an injury. If the doctor says it’s not safe to return to work, then a person shouldn’t take the risk. If they tell a person to stay off their feet, that person shouldn’t be out walking their dog or grocery shopping. Not heeding the advice of medical professionals has landed many people back in the hospital with even more serious injuries than they initially sustained in their car accident.

Getting Legal Protection

Getting legal representation has almost turned into a necessity in this day and age. This is true regardless of the exact circumstances surrounding an accident. A person who is injured by a negligent driver, for instance, will definitely need an attorney if they hope to recover fair compensation. Legal professionals, from West Palm Beach car accident attorneys to San Francisco traffic lawyers, will agree that the other driver’s insurance company is in the business of making money, and they do this most successfully by offering low settlements. Having representation will likely not only increase a settlement offer; it will also expedite the entire court proceedings.

Of course, other drivers’ insurance agencies aren’t the only ones in the business of making money; this is every company and institution. So even in the case of a hit-and-run, it’s a good idea for a person to seek legal advice to make sure that their own insurance company and the legal process is treating them fairly.

It’s important to never forget, however, that sometimes, we ourselves are listed as the negligent driver in a police report. If there was ever a good time to get an attorney, this would be it. Only legal professionals fully understand all of the nuances of local laws and the court system and how they affect a person accused of causing a wreck.

Coping with Possible Emotional Issues

There’s no getting around it: vehicular crashes are oftentimes emotionally detrimental. Some people have been known to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a car crash. This is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and many completely normal people seek out the help of counselors in order to get over these emotional issues.

One of the biggest things that helps a person recover emotionally is talking about the incident. This is why speaking with a counselor or therapist can be so beneficial. Luckily, the legal professionals previously mentioned may be able to secure compensation to cover counseling sessions. Even if a person feels unaffected emotionally, they should practice getting mobile and driving around a few days before they’re actually slated to return to work or school. Some people don’t realize the traumatic emotional effect that a crash has had on them until they’re back behind the wheel, so it’s good for a person to go back through their routine before it becomes an essential part of their day again.

Recovering from a motor vehicle crash can be a long and arduous process. This is true whether or not a person was injured due to the crash and regardless of whether or not they were at fault for the incident. Some people have it much harder than others because of different degrees of loss or serious injury. Luckily, there are several tried and true methods of getting back on one’s feet after these incidents. It’s definitely not an easy journey, but it’s without a doubt a journey worth taking.

Freelance author Molly Pearce is also a big, city motorist familiar with the tragedy an auto accident can bring into the family dynamic. One group of West Palm Beach car accident attorneys, Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, does not offer services to big businesses or insurance companies; their 150 staff members work to serve everyday people who’ve been injured in accidents through no fault of their own. Since 1997, they have aided over 18,000 injury victims in South Florida.