What to Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident: A Guide to Recovery

Have you or your loved been injured in a car accident? Here's a simple guide to walk you through the various steps involved in recovery.

You were injured in a car accident? Start here first.

In the United States, more than 2 million people are injured every single year due to vehicle-related incidents. With so many accidents, it can be overwhelming to know what to do in the event of a car accident.

For those looking for the best, check out this expert guide on what to do if you're injured in a car accident.

Read on to learn more! 

Know the Common Injuries

It's important to be aware of the common physical pain after an accident in the first step of your accident recovery journey. Be on the lookout for car accident pain such as:

• Headaches
• Shoulder, back, and neck pain
• Bruising
• Tingling or numbness
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling
• Mental and emotional distress

Pain after an accident can be lasting. If you experienced whiplash or muscle tension during your crash, you likely will be victim to joint, muscle, tendon, or nerve injury. 

It is important to seek out a medical healthcare professional after the crash to get accessed, even if you're without insurance. Be sure to contact emergency services in the event of an urgent medical issue.

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE)

After you have been accessed by a medical healthcare professional, consider rest, ice compression, and elevation therapy. You'll likely be very sore after a physically jarring experience like a car accident.

The first step is to rest the injured area, such as an ankle or a knee. Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain. Keep the ice on for ten to twenty minutes. Repeat this three times a day.

Next, compress the injured area with an elastic bandage. This will continue to aid in reduced swelling. If the compressed area becomes tingling, numb, or more painful then the bandage is too tight and you need to loosen it.

Lastly, don't forget to elevate the injury. Remember to have the area at or above your heart to provide a speedy recovery. Consider taking over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.

Contact a Psychologist or Psychiatrist

In addition to physical injury, a car accident is also a very mentally and emotionally exhausting experience. Consider contacting a psychologist or psychiatrist to work through the traumatic event.

Your accident insurance will likely cover this cost, but you may want to contact an attorney should you and the other party involved in the accident not be on the same page.

Injured in a Car Accident?

If you or your loved one have been injured in a car accident, be sure to consult this simple guide to walk you through the various steps involved in recovery. Remember to contact emergency services in the event of an urgent situation.

What are you waiting for? Your road to recovery awaits!

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