A car accident has the power to wreak devastation in a family that lingers long after the physical wounds have healed. Every year, as many as 4.6 million Americans are injured in car accidents according to the National Safety Council (NSC), resulting in emotional and financial distress that can result in severe anguish for the entire family. The trauma associated with a car accident occurs so unexpectedly that there is no way anyone can prepare for it, either financially or emotionally.
When the unimaginable happens, it is vital that a family groups
together, acknowledging what happened and supporting each other in whichever
way they can.
Emotional consequences of a car accident
Everyone reacts
differently to trauma and within your family, you may notice varying degrees of
shock, denial, anger, irritability, and anxiety. Children are often
overlooked when emotional support is handed out despite the fact that they are
often the most vulnerable when a distressing situation arises.
Where
young children may become sullen and withdrawn, teenagers may react with anger,
choosing to turn to their friends instead of their family. As important as what
it is to be supportive of one another, you also need to know when someone might
need some space.
Allow your children the opportunity to deal with what happened
in their own way while reassuring them that you are always there for them if
they need anyone to talk to.
What about the financial effects?
The financial effects of a car accident can
be ruinous, especially if the family breadwinner is unable to return to work.
Such a loss of wages combined with mounting medical bills can undoubtedly lead
to lasting financial difficulties that can impact the entire family.
Family savings, college funds and the life your family has become
accustomed to can come under threat when you are no longer able to pay your
bills. While your insurance may help ease your burdens, chances are that you
will not be paid the compensation you and your family are entitled to which is
why you may want to consider seeking out professional legal assistance.
According to a Gilbert personal injury attorney,
every accident victim deserves to be represented by a legal team that will both
protect your interests and fights for you and your family.
Resuming life after an accident
There are a number
of methods you as a family can employ to help you deal with the aftermath of
the accident as a unit. Simple relaxation techniques such as mindful
breathing can help with panic attacks while doing things together such as watching a
movie or indulging in a special meal.
Talk about the
experience with each other, friends, family members and, if needed, qualified
counselors. It is also recommended to alert your children’s teachers
about what happened so that they can offer extra support and be understanding
of any emotional consequences of the incident.
As hard as it may be to
come to terms with what happened it is important to not try and pretend that it
never happened as denial can amplify any emotional distress significantly.
The last thing
anyone wants to envision is a loved-one being involved in a car accident. As
grave as the consequences may be it is important to support one another as a
family, offering encouragement and refraining from assigning blame to anyone.
Just spend time together, love each other and be grateful for everything you
have left despite your setbacks.