Even if you live in a smaller city, it is hard to go from one destination to another without seeing an ambulance in route with red and blue lights flashing, warning of a fender bender—or much worse—ahead in traffic. Sadly, so many accidents could be avoided if drivers avoided distractions such as talking and texting on smart phones, driving while under the influence, and getting behind the wheel while drowsy. Aggressive driving, disregard for traffic rules, and excessive speeding are responsible for far too many crashes also. And considering how much time we spend in our cars each day, chances are all too good you are on the road with careless drivers capable of causing catastrophic damage.

You may be extremely aware, diligent, and defensive as a driver, but sometimes that is not enough. Unfortunately, most of our loved ones or friends will experience a car accident in their lifetimes also, and it can be very difficult to watch them suffer if they have experienced an injury or trauma. Directly after the accident, if your spouse or someone close to you has been injured, they should seek medical care as soon as possible, as well as calling an experienced car accident attorney from a firm like Heintz Law as soon as possible.

Any injured party may find that they are receiving calls from insurance adjustors almost immediately. They may be asking for intricate details about the accident, medical records, and request a formal (perhaps even recorded) statement from the injured. The insurance adjustor’s job is to get as much information as possible from you and then work on settling the case with the best outcome for the insurance company. The best course of action is not to give them any information, and to seek legal advice first.

Once home and settled after an accident, you may find that your friend or loved one is struggling not only with pain, but emotional trauma also. Taking time to heal, rest, and process the event is key, but they may be struggling with many different emotions—as well as worrying about very real issues such as loss of income, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the seriousness of the injuries. If they have been injured due to the negligence of others, a skilled auto accident lawyer will be able to help get them compensation for their damages and medical expenses.

In the meantime, encourage them to:

• Continue to avoid stress and rest as much as possible.
• Try to get back into a routine, depending on how serious the injuries are.
• Focus on nutrition and avoid using alcohol or drugs not recommended or prescribed by your physician to deal with the trauma.
• Get back into activities that make them feel happy and productive.
• Reach out for help.

It is not uncommon for accident victims to feel depressed or anxious, or to have substantial post-traumatic stress disorder; in that case, while it is valuable for them to receive support from family and friends, they should also be encouraged to speak with their doctor or a counselor. They may still be in shock over the event, as well as suffering from feelings of helplessness or guilt, even if the accident was not their fault. This is particularly common when other passengers were injured too, or even killed.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of others, please call Heintz Law for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We handle all types of Florida personal injury cases, and our law firm has established an impressive record of verdicts and settlements. If you have been seriously injured, call us now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!