How Do I Calm Down After a Car or Truck Accident?
It can be hard to think clearly or calm down in the aftermath of a car or truck accident. One moment you’re driving safely on the road, and the next your vehicle has been struck and you’ve spun out of control, or perhaps your car has even rolled over. You’re likely experiencing confusion, panic, pain, or a combination of all three.
Though the last thing you feel is calm, it’s important to quickly focus on the situation at hand so you can get to safety, respond to any medical emergencies, and get the information you need if you want to file a personal injury claim against the driver or party who caused your accident in the first place. Below, our team at Dunk Law Firm has provided a list of steps to take to calm yourself down and think.
Take a Deep Breath
Before you attempt to move or do anything else, take a deep breath. This can help you notice if you are in any pain and begin the transition from trauma to reality, where you’ve fully realized and accepted that you have just been involved in an accident. Taking a deep breath can also help you assess whether you’re experiencing numbness or loss of feeling in any areas of your body—it’s important to not move if you think you have a spinal cord injury.
Pull Over & Assess the Situation
If you’re able to get yourself to safety, pull over to the side of the road so you don’t endanger yourself and others. Then, assess the accident. If it’s safe to step out, you may want to check on the status of others involved and take note of how many others were in the accident or witnessed what occurred. If you’re able, this is also the time to begin documenting the accident, from taking photos of the damage to gathering witness contact information.
Call for Medical Attention—Even If You’re Not in Pain
Calling for medical attention is one of the most important things you can do, and it’s something you should do even if you can’t detect any injuries. Some injuries can take hours or days to appear and may worsen over time if left untreated. For example, experiencing a headache one hour from the accident may be indicative of a concussion or even brain damage. Getting your symptoms diagnosed and treated can reduce your pain and put your mind more at ease.
Call a Lawyer
Once your injuries have been treated, call our experienced lawyers at our firm. Having professional legal representation is often enough to ease a victim’s anxiety and stress after a car or truck crash. Calling a lawyer sooner rather than later is helpful because not only can we get started on your case, but we can also manage communication with any insurance adjuster who may call you and attempt to undermine your claim.
By following these clear steps, you can concentrate on your actions so you don’t allow yourself to get stressed or wallow in your pain in the aftermath of your car accident. Navigating the days and weeks after your crash may be challenging, but by taking things one step at a time and ensuring you have comprehensive legal support on your side, you won’t be alone.
For firm and supportive representation, you can turn to Dunk Law Firm. Contact our car accident attorneys online or by phone at (800) 674-9339.