People are injured in accidents every day. Vehicle accidents injure between 20 and 50 million people every year and account for over a million deaths annually. In some cases, severe injuries from car crashes result in short-term or long-term disability. The primary causes of preventable deaths also include falls, poisoning, drowning, fires, and natural disasters. People who have been burned may face prolonged treatments in burn wards in order to recover. Falls can lead to fractures, sprains, and concussions.
No matter what caused your accident, it is important to look after yourself medically, legally, and emotionally after your injury, as some wounds take weeks, months, or even years to heal from. Getting comprehensive help right away can help you recover faster and more effectively.
1. Get Medical Treatment
You should see a medical professional after an accident and have a comprehensive check-up, as you may have injuries that require long-term treatment and delaying treatment can cause complications that worsen your condition. You will also need documentation from a licensed physician to establish the nature and severity of your injuries if you pursue a legal claim.
Whiplash is a common injury people receive from car accidents, but symptoms may not be present for up to 24 hours. This is why it is also important to document all your symptoms as they appear and see your physician the day after an accident.
Do not assume you are okay at the scene of an accident. You may have a concussion, fracture, or soft tissue damage. Without a thorough medical examination, you may not know how serious your injuries are. Doctors can order MRIs and other tests to thoroughly evaluate you after your accident to ensure you receive prompt and thorough medical treatment.
2. Talk to Legal Professionals
Most car accidents are preventable. Some are caused by drunk drivers or drivers who are distracted, as they may run a red light or fail to stop when traffic has slowed. Speeding is another leading cause of accidents. Workplace accidents may also be due to negligence. If you are an accident victim it is important that you recognize you have legal rights and visit a law office as soon as possible.
After your accident, contact a New Mexico personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation. The professional personal injury experts at The Davis Kelin Law Firm know the law and understand how to ensure your rights are protected. These personal injury attorneys have the experience needed to handle your case.
Expert attorneys will ensure that you are compensated for missing work, loss of property, and medical costs. You may need physical therapy or counseling after your accident and securing experienced legal counsel can ensure you receive a settlement that covers these costs.
3. Look After Your Emotional and Spiritual Health
Accidents can be traumatizing. If you, a family member, or a friend are seriously injured, you may have long-term mental health needs. The cause of your accident can also be a factor. You may fear windstorms if you’ve been injured in a tornado, for example. Symptoms of trauma can include trouble sleeping, difficulty connecting to other people, headaches, loss of appetite, and reactions to loud noises.
You can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident, which can be permanent and have a detrimental effect on your overall health and life. It may make it hard for you to go to work or enjoy activities. Talking to a trained psychologist can help you process the trauma from your accident. You can discover triggers that may upset you and develop coping mechanisms that help you manage your mental health.
If you are a spiritual person, you may also note passages from the NRSV Bible that reassure and comfort you. Read them regularly or when you are feeling anxious. You can also ask a pastor or priest to refer scriptures to you so that you have plenty of encouraging passages to turn to when you are stressed or upset.
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