Car crashes can be one of the most stressful situations in which you could ever find yourself. It is important to manage your stress levels carefully and know what signs to look for not only in yourself, but also in your loved ones, in the moments and days following a car crash. Below you’ll find a step by step guide to keeping yourself calm and focused in the moments after a car crash..
Step 1: Take a breath and check yourself
The first few moments following a car crash can be confusing. Your body may move from fully tensed to suddenly relaxed in an instant and it can be difficult to ascertain whether there has been any damage to your body. You may be in shock so it’s important to take stock, take a few breaths, and pay attention to yourself. Do this first. Other passengers in your car are important but there’s nothing you can – or should – do to help them until you ascertain your own physical condition.
Step 2: Check anyone else who is with you
Once you’ve ascertained that you have no serious injuries, ask your passengers to do the same. Check any young children over as best you can – but if it seems as though anyone is in any pain, particularly in the neck or back area, try not to let those people move too much – this includes you.
Step 3: Breathing
Staying calm in the moments following a car crash is important. While there is a lot to do and think about – how to get the kids home, organising towtrucks, ambulances, etc., not to mention the insurance information, police details and so on, try to remember to keep your breathing slow and regular, and take your time. There’s no need to handle everything all at once. The police will wait for you to be calm and ready to give a statement. Both they, and any other emergency personnel who attend the crash, are trained in trauma counselling and handle these situations far more often than you do, so don’t be afraid to request their assistance.
Step 4: Take Care of the Details
In the days that follow, you will need to take some time for yourself to let your mind and body recover fully. If you have a million thoughts buzzing in your head, de-stressing will be next to impossible and you will find yourself struggling to take care of even basic tasks. Making sure your insurance and legal responsibilities are taken care of will be a huge weight off your shoulders, so make sure you get in touch with a legal firm that specialise in car accidents like Motor Accident Legal Service . They will be able to take some of the pressure off you, and you can rest easy knowing things are being taken care of.
Managing your stress levels after a crash isn’t easy, but if you remember a few simple things, it can be done. If you remain calm, things go much more smoothly. It’s also easier to work out if everyone is all right when people are calm and composed – and calm is catching. If you refrain from freaking out, then so will your passengers and it may help anyone else involved as well. If you breathe deeply and notice any pain, then you can talk to the police or ambulance people about it. If you’re already hyperventilating, important signs of injury may be missed while they focus on getting your breathing under control.
Have you, or has anyone you know, ever been involved in a car crash? How did they handle the stress and what hints and tips would you pass on to others? Share your stories in the comments below, and help someone out today.
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