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More than 38,000 people in the United States lose their lives owing to road accidents. Unfortunately, the U.S. suffers a lot more road accidents as compared to other countries falling in the same income bracket. As a matter of fact, road accidents are the leading cause of death in people aged between 1 and 54.
Apart from the medical expenses and numerous health conditions, the economic and societal impacts of road accidents cause U.S. citizens a whopping $871 billion. If you’ve suffered a major injury during the trauma, returning to work immediately might not be possible, and this causes a number of people to risk their careers.
The shock, posttraumatic stress, and physical discomfort can stay for a long time after the accident. Even if the car accident injuries have healed, their emotional and economic impact lingers on. Mental health deteriorates, and depression can take a stronghold, pushing your quality of life further downhill.
Let us share with you some useful tips to get yourself back together emotionally, physically, and mentally after you have received a major setback in your life:
Regular Follow-Up with Doctor’s Appointment
After the initial medical examination, you are required to follow a certain treatment plan prepared by the car accident doctor. It is very important to follow the directions given in the plan as more symptoms surface with time. Make it a point not to miss any appointment and religiously follow the instructions of your physician.
Your progress is documented in these appointments, and this proof is required by the insurance company to support you. Your dedication may lead to revising the treatment plan and, in turn, giving you smooth and steady recovery. All this will give you a precise idea regarding when you can go back to work.
Ending your recovery plan earlier and taking matters in your hand will compromise your medical responsibility. Not only you may worsen your condition, but there are chances that you end up developing a new one. Going against the doctor’s advice can cause a hindrance in receiving your compensation from the insurance company and risk your job as well.
Seek Help to Counter Emotional Stress
The foremost step in healing yourself emotionally is to acknowledge the emotional injuries one has incurred during the accident. The feelings of fear, anxiety, stress, or guilt can stay with the person for a very long time. It is only through empowering oneself emotionally and mentally that one can stay steady on the path of physical recovery.
One of the best ways to heal is to talk about the things that are bothering you. One can either find help among family and friends or consult a therapist. Taking out the fears and concerns can help you in getting good advice regarding coping with the losses and emerging stronger after the incident.
After a severe physical injury, exercise may not look the same for you. But, one can consult a physiotherapist and take on those exercises that will help in the healing process. Working out will not only give your body the necessary physical movement but also relieve you from mental stress and allow you to focus on your job.
Document All the Evidence of Symptoms and Complications
While it may not sound possible, given the serious circumstances following an accident, but documenting everything following your accident will give you many advantages. Starting from the initial examination by the doctor to each diagnosis that takes place as the treatment moves forward, documenting all the information will help you in getting a good claim.
Even during the recovery process, keep collecting the documents and add as much evidence as possible. All this information will help you in retaining your job or finding a new one if you were unable to keep your employment after the accident. If you have resumed working, note the complications that are being caused due to lack of rest.
It is best to bring along a doctor’s note as you return to work. This will not only serve as a strong excuse for the time that you’ve missed but will also let your employer know the kind of work you are now physically fit to do. The note should include documentation of the injuries, X-Ray results, relevant tests, and follow-up appointments.
Let Your Personal Injury Attorney Guide You
As important as it is to deal with the emotional and medical aftermath of an accident, you will also need professional help to assist you with the legal procedures and financial recourse. While it may seem to be another impossible thing to deal with after an accident, but an attorney can help you in ways that you can’t even think of.
First of all, he will take care of all the legal proceedings that come with an accident. He can defend you if the other party decides to sue you or file a claim on your behalf if you are a victim. He will make you understand the laws and prepare the necessary documents that are required by the insurance company.
He can help you in steering your career back on the track and guide you through all the legal actions that can be taken if the company has wronged you after your accident. In short, hiring an attorney might appear to be an additional expense, but he will be the one who can ensure that your life stays on track even after such a huge setback.
Embrace the New Normal as Soon as Possible
The best idea is to strive to return to your old life as much as you can in order to make yourself physically and mentally normal again. This may also mean that you might have to accept the new normal and adjust according to the changes that life has thrown your way. There is no denying that it is easier said than done, but acceptability will keep you on the right track.
Connect with your family, meet your friends, and immerse yourself in your work as much as your health allows you to do. Everything will seem more difficult after the accident, but the more you keep yourself busy, the less time you have to think of the adjustments that you are making with life now.
You might not be as valued in your workplace as you used to be, but this is another chance to prove yourself that nothing has brought down your dedication and love for your work. The moment you win your mental battle, the physical tasks will no longer appear to be a problem for you.
Summing Up
It is better to avoid going back to work too soon after the accident as compromising on your health can hurt the compensation that you are entitled to. Even if you have pressure from the employers or if they are threatening to fire you, rely on legal help to guide you through this ordeal.
Even though your job is very important, but you can’t risk being re-injured during work and render your health to deteriorate even further. Know the right ways to protect yourself and your career, so that even after an accident, you can strike back and resume your life as if nothing had ever happened.
