While the immediate impact on a car accident can be intense, sometimes, it’s the things that take place after the dust has settled that you need to be aware of and prepare for.
To help you ensure that you’re able to safely and smartly deal with the effects and aftermath of any type of accident you get into, here are three things to be on the lookout for after getting in a car accident.
Talking Too Much About What Happened
If you were in the car accident all by yourself and no other person or property was involved at all, you don’t have to be quite as careful about what you say regarding the accident. But if you’re going to be dealing with another driver or someone else’s property being damaged, Mila Araujo, a contributor to The Balance, recommends that you take care not to talk too much about what happened.
While you should speak with the other people involved to exchange information, you really only want to discuss the details of the event with the police, any medical professional you need assistance from, and your insurance carrier. Especially if there’s a question of fault or you’re trying to prove the other driver’s negligence, you’ll want to keep pretty tight-lipped so that the other driver and their insurance or lawyers don’t wind up using your words against you.
Delayed Symptoms Are Possible
As soon as you’re in a car accident, your adrenaline starts pumping. Because of this, you may have injuries that you don’t initially recognize. Despite this, you could still be very injured and need to seek medical attention.
Knowing this, ASPCares.com shares that you should be aware of some common signs that you’ve been injured even if it hasn’t registered with you yet. Some of these signs include things like being excessively tired, losing part of your memory, having a hard time concentrating, or having any stiffness, redness, swelling, or numbness. If you notice anything like this, make sure you get checked out by a medical professional.
Watch For Signs Of PTSD
Another thing that you’re going to want to look out for after being in a car accident is any sign that you’re experiencing PTSD.
According to Kurt E. Gray, a contributor to KidsHealth.org, PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder, often happens when something traumatic has happened and your brain and body don’t adequately process it at the time that it happens. Signs of PTSD can include feeling anxious, angry, cranky, avoidant, trouble sleeping, and nightmare. If you experience this or other changes in your mental or emotional state following your car accident, consult a professional for the help you need.
If you’re ever in a car accident, consider keeping the above-mentioned issues or conditions in mind so you can stay safe and healthy.