The aftermath of a family member getting into an accident is a difficult time for the whole family. All kinds of emotions can arise, and it’s hard to know what to do first. This article will cover ways you can help your loved one through their experience with physical injuries, psychological trauma, and much more.
Support Physical Injuries
There are many effects of experiencing a physical injury, and they need constant monitoring for signs of infections or fractures. In addition, if the person has been knocked unconscious, their airways must be clear and open.
If you suspect a broken bone, especially if there is swelling in the injured area, wrap an ice pack in cloth (never put ice directly on the skin) and hold it against the hurt place for 20 minutes at a time every hour. Be sure not to apply pressure; just let gravity do its thing as your bodyweight presses down onto the cold pack.
If the person is fully conscious, it’s essential to keep them still and calm. Try not to let them use any of their limbs. Also, it’s necessary to check for an injury before moving them.
Remember, if there are any sharp objects near them (glass from a broken window), move those away first and make sure you’re wearing protective gloves or clothes when handling anything potentially dangerous.
As you monitor the person, watch for any signs of shock ˗ which can include pale or sweaty skin, a weak pulse, and shallow breathing. If they’re showing these symptoms, call an ambulance right away.
Support Psychological Trauma From an Accident
One aspect in the aftermath of a car crash or other significant injuries that you shouldn’t overlook is trauma. It can take time to reorient oneself and find one’s footing again emotionally and mentally in trauma cases.
One example of helping a family member through this process is speaking with them about what happened and listening to their emotions and feelings. You can do this in person or over the phone.
In cases where someone experienced assault, it is crucial to give them space first and foremost; sometimes, all one needs is some time alone to heal emotionally before addressing any other aspects.
The key then becomes ensuring that there are no triggers around so as not to re-traumatize them further. So, for example, try removing objects from the room which remind them of the injury and leaving lights off if memories come back intensely when exposed to light.
A family member may not always know how best they want to help and will need some guidance or suggestions. This could come from friends or other people with experience facing similar issues.
Psychologists are trained professionals who may also be able to help a family member through this process. For example, they can offer therapy sessions and group work to address the trauma in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and understood.
Talking to a Lawyer
After helping your family member through the initial aftermath of an accident, you may want to seek legal advice. Talking with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities concerning the incident and any potential settlements that might be available due to damages suffered.
For example, a lawyer could help you argue a car accident settlement that compensates your beloved’s injuries and related conditions.
Additionally, a lawyer will be able to tell you if your family member needs compensation for pain and suffering and medical bills that have gone unpaid – they may also offer advice on how best to proceed with litigation proceedings.
Talking to a lawyer may also be vital if you’re in the process of negotiating with an insurance company. For example, suppose your family member was at fault for causing the accident. In that case, it might be best to speak to a lawyer who can help them understand their legal rights and responsibilities to make informed decisions.
Organizing Insurance
Organizing insurance can be a daunting task, as it is often difficult to make sense of the language in policies and understand how they work. This article will break down some basic terminology for you so that you may better navigate an accident claim process:
– Property Damage – If another driver’s negligence has damaged an individual’s property, this coverage type ensures compensation for repairs or replacement
– Liability Coverage – If someone was injured due to your negligent act and decides to sue you, liability coverage helps pay their medical bills and other related expenses up until the policy limit (typically $300k)
The best way to get started with organizing insurance after a car crash is to contact your insurer if you sustained any damage or injuries. If you need assistance with this process, your insurer will likely send out a claims adjuster to get the ball rolling.
– Third-Party Liability – This type of insurance covers injuries and damages incurred by someone else when in an accident caused by another driver
– Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP pays medical expenses if injured as well as lost wages if not able to work due to injury or illness
If you have questions about how these policies may apply after an accident, reach out to your insurer, who should be happy to help provide any further guidance!
Aiding the Road to Recovery
The best way to support someone who has experienced a severe injury is by doing anything you can to make their life as comfortable and stress-free as possible. For example, if they need assistance with cooking or cleaning, they can prepare food or tidy up for them.
This will provide your friend or family member with an opportunity to take care of themselves without needing to worry about making meals that are healthy and balanced too!
If there are specific tasks in your home that may be difficult due to physical injuries, consider asking friends/family members for extra help. This is so you don’t have any difficulty completing everyday tasks like household chores.
Understandably, accidents can be traumatic events that have lasting effects. So it’s essential to put as much time into taking care of yourself and those you love most during these dark times. Remembering what health professionals said about self-care when someone close experienced an injury will help bring back some balance in your life again.
