Getting back on the road after a motor vehicle accident can be intimidating. Accident trauma is very real and can affect you for a long time, even if the crash was relatively minor. Not only are you dealing with potential injuries, but also the stress of insurance companies, car repairs, and even legal issues. It’s okay to give yourself plenty of time before getting behind the wheel again, but you’ll eventually need to face your fears. Bring a support person along to help you stay calm. Start out slowly with very short drives. And finally, know when to seek professional help if it feels like the trauma is affecting your everyday life. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get your confidence back and get back on the road soon.
Give Yourself Time
When trying to get back on the road after a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to be patient with yourself. It can take a long time to process the trauma of such a scary and life-altering event. Talking about the accident with friends or family can help you process your feelings and begin to heal. But don’t try to force yourself back behind the wheel until you feel ready.
Bring Support
It can also be helpful to bring a supportive friend or family member along when getting back on the road after a motor vehicle accident. They can help keep you calm if you begin to panic while on the road. And while you don’t want to be distracted while driving, they can help take your mind off the trauma of the accident with calming words. If you get overwhelmed, they can take over until you’re feeling ready to begin driving again.
Start Out Slowly
Start out slowly, and work up to longer drives when getting back on the road after a motor vehicle accident. You might feel comfortable driving around your neighborhood or quiet streets, but overwhelmed thinking of getting on a highway. That’s perfectly fine, and you can take your time working up to longer or more intense drives. Remember that it’s okay to pull over and gather yourself if you begin to feel panicky. Give yourself plenty of extra traveling time so that you aren’t feeling rushed trying to get to your destination.
Seek Professional Help
Finally, sometimes emotional trauma can be too much for us to overcome on our own. If you are struggling to get back on the road after a motor vehicle accident, it can really hinder your life. It can affect your ability to work and shake your self-confidence. Speaking to a therapist can be very helpful. They can give you coping techniques for anxiety while driving, and can help you confront any lasting fears that you still have after the incident. Additionally, speaking to an accident attorney can help you navigate any legal concerns you are encountering. Kaushal Law, LLC is here to ensure that you are getting the representation you deserve after an accident. Paul Kaushal offers free consultations and convenient office locations across central Indiana.
Knowing when to get back on the road after a motor vehicle accident is a personal decision that only you can make. It’s okay to give yourself plenty of time to process your emotions after a traumatic experience like that. Don’t let anybody pressure you to drive before you feel confident, because it could create more anxiety or even lead to a panic attack on the road. Instead, be patient and take things slow. Ask a friend to ride with you until you feel a bit more confident, and start with slow easy drives and work up to longer or more intense trips. Finally, seek professional help if your nervousness behind the wheel is hindering your life. Or if you’d like to explore legal representation. An accident is a life-altering and traumatic event. It’s important to give yourself the patience and grace to get back on the road when you feel ready so that you can be as safe as possible.
