As the number of car accidents rises each year, many people are experiencing stress or trauma after being involved in an accident. Navigating these feelings and reactions can be difficult for anyone. 

Some feelings you may be experiencing after a car accident are:

• Shock
• Stress
• Exhaustion
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Disbelief
• Guilt

These experiences are common for people who have been involved in a car accident, but there are other indicators that you may be experiencing trauma after a car accident.

Here are some tips to help you with stress if you are ever in a car accident:

Make Sure You’re Covered

Being involved in a car accident can be extremely stressful, especially if you’ve never been in one before. One of the first steps to take is to make sure everyone is okay after the accident and contact the authorities. You also need to make sure you exchange insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. 

One way to relieve stress is to make sure you have an attorney. A Colorado Car Accident Attorney can help provide reassurance during this stressful time. By contacting an attorney, you are ensuring that you are covered on all bases. An accident attorney can also help guide you during the post-accident process. 

Talk About the Accident

If you’re experiencing stress and extreme emotions after being involved in a car accident, it can be helpful to talk to someone about your experience. Friends, family, or even a counselor are great options to consider. Being able to express your feelings and emotions will help ease some of the stress you may be experiencing after an accident. 

See Your Physician 

Whether you have severe or mild injuries after being in a car accident, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to run tests and make sure you’re healthy and safe after an accident. It can also be reassuring to know what steps to take if you are injured in an accident. 

Focus on Self-Care

After a car accident, it can feel like your world is turned upside down. You need to take care of yourself after an accident. This can range from continuing your normal routine of exercising and going out to events with friends and family to staying at home and focusing on your mental health. Self-Care is different for everyone, so you must focus on what helps you physically and mentally recover after an accident. 

While the above tips are helpful to deal with the stress of being involved in a car accident, make sure you keep an eye on how you’re feeling in your day-to-day life. If you are having nightmares about the accident, anxiety when riding in any vehicle or driving, feeling disconnected from those around you, or irritability/excessive anger, you should seek professional help. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you process these feelings.