Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most infuriating things that can happen to a person. You’ve been in an accident that perhaps has harmed your person, people you care about, or your property, and it likely could have been easily avoided. It’s easy to get caught up in the anger, but sometimes, there are other things that need your energy and focus. The following will explore a few things you might want to do in order to take care of your health and wellbeing while recovering from an accident involving alcohol. Of course, many of these tips can also be applied if you’ve been in a non-alcohol-related accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately, seek out a healthcare practitioner that can examine you post-accident. It’s not uncommon to think you’re fine but then later find out that a serious injury occurred. Conditions like shock can make it tough to realize how serious an injury is. Given the importance of early intervention and treatment in recovery, it’s in your best interest to know your health situation as soon as possible.
You also want to have a medical visit on record in case you later find out that you’re injured and need to seek compensation. It’s all too easy for an insurance company or legal team to interpret you taking three days to visit the hospital as you not being seriously injured.
Seek Legal Support
While it might seem like you can handle the situation on your own, it’s important to understand that insurance companies and other parties involved in accidents have their own best interests to look out for, and often, these interests directly contradict yours. Beyond this, many courses of action legally forfeit your right to pursue other courses. This means it’s vital to understand all your options before you choose how you want to respond. A drunk driving accident attorney can let you know what courses of action can provide you with what outcomes. They can also let you know about needs you might have in the future that you haven’t thought about in the present.
Give Energy To Your Mental Health
If you’ve been in any kind of accident, there’s a chance that you’re experiencing emotions that are hard to deal with or find yourself caught in thinking patterns that feel foreign to you. In America, car accidents are the number one cause of post-traumatic stress disorder, and this means that mental health is incredibly important post-accident. First and foremost, let yourself know that whatever you’re feeling or thinking is okay. It’s a sign of a healthy brain and body to have strong reactions to extreme situations. This being said, you might need someone to talk to. Find a supportive and trustworthy friend or professional with whom you feel you can speak honestly. You might need a little extra help as you process your emotions.
Stay Off Social Media
Not only can the things you do online impact the outcome of a legal proceeding (insurance company employees, lawyers, and law enforcement can easily see what you’re up to), but it can also contribute to a detrimental mindset. When you’re healing, stress isn’t helpful. If you’re scrolling through comment sections or forums detailing scenarios that are similar to yours, you’re likely going to be filled with rage and cortisol. Put social media away and focus on yourself in the present moment. Ask yourself what you need and seek it out.
Budget And Track Finances
Again, stress is not helpful in the healing process. Money troubles can often accompany accidents, given the cost of vehicles, alternative transportation, missed work, and medical appointments. It’s a good idea to keep track of all your finances and save your receipts; this will help you get an idea of how much recovery is actually costing you. It can also help you make changes in your spending or work to better reflect your current situation.
Take Care Of Your Body
Your body is a complex system. Every part of it influences every other part. Avoiding sugary foods and other highly-inflammatory foods can help reduce the pain of healing and speed up recovery. Staying hydrated and getting enough nutrients and minerals can also help you heal at an ideal rate. Sleep is also a vital part of the recovery process; try to ensure you’re getting more than you think you need as you recover. Nine hours a night is okay. You’re injured; you need it.
The above information should help you take good care of your body and mind as you recover from an alcohol-related accident. Of course, be sure to take any additional health advice given to you by a professional seriously.
