Although unlike physical injuries, emotional trauma can be easily ignored and put aside. However, being part of an accident, no matter how severe, can be quite traumatic. Don’t neglect your mental health. Instead, here are a few tips you can follow to address your emotional injuries, relieve your anxiety, and start living like before.   

Research Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When you think of PTSD, you’re probably associating it with soldiers who endure harsh combat encounters. However, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can affect anyone who has lived through something stressful and traumatic. Yes, even a car accident. But, not everyone who goes through something traumatic gets PTSD. 

So, don’t fret; here is a list of symptoms you can use to familiarize yourself and help you identify if you or any passenger may be suffering from PTSD.

Some of the most common indicators that you may be suffering from PTSD are:

• They are frequently reliving the trauma, such as flashbacks or recurring nightmares.
• They avoid things that may remind you of the traumatic event, like driving or even talking about the accident.
• A reduction in emotional contact.
• The person may also suffer from exaggerated reactions in everyday situations unrelated to the accident. This can include startling easily, feeling exceptionally irritable, or being unable to sleep.

Even though no one is sure exactly what may have caused a person to develop PTSD over others, it seems that chronic pain post-accident can be an important factor.

Learn How to Remain Calm

Whether or not you have ASD or PTSD, heightened anxiety after an accident is common. Recognize that anxiety is both normal and manageable. Try the following things when you find yourself becoming anxious:

• Practice mindful breathing. Take slow, deep breaths.
• Focus on the world around you. Notice physical objects in the present moment instead of mentally reliving the accident.
• Learn and use muscle relaxation techniques.

A therapist or mental health professional also can help you learn anxiety-controlling techniques specific to your personality and situation. Contact a mental health specialist if you feel unable to cope with anxiety, if anxiety interrupts your everyday life, or if you’re worried about your anxiety in any way.

Look After Yourself

You have just experienced an extremely scarring event. Take it easy on yourself; give yourself time to cope. Please treat this as a physical injury, give it time to heal. 

When you can, focus on the positives in your life. Make it as good as you can. Eat healthily, drink water, do some exercise if you can. Also, if physical injuries allow it, try going back to those hobbies that make you happy. Like listening to music, watching movies, or knitting a sweater. Anything to enable you to create a semi-comfortable environment so you can heal at your own pace. 

Do not confuse this as ignoring your feelings, though. It’s vital to address your feelings now and then. Comfort yourself when you need to, but don’t remain stagnant.

Consult Others

Settling for silent suffering will only add to your mental distress. Talk to a family member or a friend about your experience and even ask them what they think you should do to make things a bit better. You don’t have to step entirely out of your comfort zone. If you feel like leaving out some details of the accident that would hit too close to home, that’s fine. However, you will need someone available to help you process your emotions. 

An alternative route is to see a therapist who can help you work through your issues. Also, therapist appointments are confidential. So you can share all you want to and not feel guilty or judge by those close to you. 

Don’t suffer alone during these trying times. Make sure you obtain the correct treatment for your mental health, not only your physical injuries. Talk to a personal injury attorney to make sure you are receiving the treatment you need. You may be entitled to some compensation for your pain and suffering.  

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As your home will most likely be the largest investment of your lifetime, be sure to safeguard it as much as you can. A careful review of your homeowner’s policy will outline areas of coverage – as well as items that are not covered. If you have questions, you can meet with your insurance agent or even have your policy reviewed by a professional such as your attorney. 

Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

In proactively addressing issues, thoroughly review your homeowner’s policy to confirm what specific damage types are covered. Often, you have to include additional riders, or a separate insurance policy, to safeguard against possible damage and destruction to your home. A standard insurance policy typically does not cover damage to your home from an earthquake, flood, smoke, or general wear and tear. Homeowner’s policies also may not cover damage from rodents, pests, or insects such as termites. Believe it or not, termites do exist in Utah.

A typical home insurance policy will include the dwelling, loss of use of the dwelling, other structures (such as a shed or separate parking structure), personal liability, and personal property coverages. Most policies will also cover some common dangers: burglary, explosion, fire, hailstorms, vandalism, and windstorms. If you do have a separate structure on your property, be sure to let your insurance agent know ahead of time that you have a shed, gazebo, or even a luxury doghouse so your policy can address it. 

Other Liability Concerns

In discussing what your homeowner’s policy may not cover, you may be surprised to learn that your homeowner’s policy will most likely cover some things you would not expect. This includes a dog bite and a lawsuit if someone is injured at your home or on your premises. Your insurance policy may also provide for a hotel or lodging if you have to relocate while repairs are being made to your dwelling. Another significant area of coverage that is probably provided is identity theft. This is invaluable in today’s environment, as all of us could be subject to this scary notion.

The declaration page of your homeowner’s policy will highlight what is covered and what is not, as well as the limits and deductibles. Understand, though; this is not a substitute for a comprehensive read of your policy.  

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Personal Injury Claim Basics

Utah requires all car owners to carry personal injury protection, known as (PIP) insurance. This amount has a minimum of $3,000 worth of coverage to handle medical costs, loss of income, and other related expenses if you’re injured in an accident. Insurance policies such as these are referred to as “no-fault insurance” because it pays for your injuries no matter what party was at fault in an automobile accident.

But what about the responsible party?

This is generally the point where things can get tricky. Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company is not as easy as collecting PIP from your insurance provider. To get a fair settlement, most people need to prove.

1. The other driver caused the accident
2. The accident caused the injuries
3. The cost of medical care, related expenses, time lost from work, and pain and suffering

The stakes are always high when it comes to getting fair compensation after an accident. The ramifications can range from mildly inconvenient to catastrophic and life-altering. You and your family shouldn’t have to suffer due to the negligence of poor judgment. On average, people receive settlement offers ranging from 50 to 100 percent higher than they would be representing themselves. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Utah, consider calling The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez. Our attorneys have years of experience helping the local community get their lives back on track after a car, truck, pedestrian, or motorcycle accident.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.

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