How to Recover from a Car Accident Injury

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. The physical and emotional trauma of an auto wreck can cause ongoing pain and make performing simple tasks a challenge. If you try and jump back into your routine too quickly, you can limit progress and even make your situation worse.

That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and give yourself time to heal. Although recovering from car accident injuries requires patience, there are ways to quicken the healing process and get back to your normal lifestyle sooner.

Note: If you experience any health problems or symptoms after any accident, see a doctor right away. Consult a medical professional for advice and treatment before starting any program.

How long does it take for your body to heal after an accident?

Depending on the severity of your injury, it can take weeks or even months to feel better after an auto wreck. The length of your car accident recovery time depends on a variety of factors, such as:

• Your health before the car accident
• The injuries you sustained in the auto collision
• The amount of time you wait before seeking treatment
• Your access to quality health care
• Your age and income
• Your diet and exercise habits
• How much rest you get
• Your support system

Tips for recovering after car accident injuries

If you’re unsure what to do after a car accident injury, the best place to start is by visiting a doctor. Once your physician diagnoses you, they’ll be able to work with you to develop a treatment plan for how to recover from accident injuries you may have sustained in the crash.

You can also use the tips below to help speed your car accident recovery time:

1. Follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consulting with a doctor and following their instructions can also help your case if you decide to file a lawsuit after your traffic accident. Your doctor will create medical records documenting your injuries, which your lawyer can then use to show the insurance company or the court that you were actually hurt and took the proper course of action to get better.

   If you fail to see a doctor and follow their medical advice, your case will be weakened, and it will be more challenging for your lawyer to get you fair compensation.

2. Use ice for auto injury pain. It’s not uncommon for your back and muscles to feel sore after a car accident. Icing sore or injured body parts is a great method for controlling pain and reducing inflammation, especially in the first 72 hours after your auto collision. Simply apply ice for 10-15 minutes, remove it for at least an hour, and then repeat the process as needed.

   The more you can limit the amount of swelling and inflammation, the faster your car accident recovery time will be. It’s also important to watch out for any symptoms of a more serious medical problem, such as a traumatic brain injury, which can have delayed symptoms that may be easily overlooked.

3. Consider physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend that you do physical therapy throughout your recovery. Physical therapists are specialists that know how to recover from accident injuries, and seeing one is the safest approach to getting exercise after your auto accident. They may also have equipment that’s specialized to help with your injury.

   Working alongside a physical therapy expert is a great way to prevent additional injuries after your car accident and shorten your recovery process.

4. Take it easy. Depending on your injuries, moving around can help improve joint and muscle flexibility. But overdoing it will actually prolong your recovery after a car accident. To heal as quickly as possible, take the necessary time off from work, limit physical activity, and grant your body the time and energy it needs to repair itself.

5. Slowly begin an exercise or stretching routine. If you jump back into your normal exercise routine too quickly after an auto injury, recovery times could be longer and you may suffer even more damage. However, when done under medical supervision, exercise can be a great treatment for car accident injuries.

   If you consult your doctor, they can offer you exercises that will actually help your body heal itself more quickly. Just keep in mind that they’ll probably want you to start slow. You might start with stretching routines before moving on to more involved exercises.

6. Drink plenty of water to promote healing. When you suffer a traumatic injury, your body can actually dehydrate faster than usual. This is because it’s using extra water to assist with each part of the healing process, from reducing inflammation to replacing damaged cells with healthy new ones. Upping your water intake to at least 6 cups a day will ensure that your body has the resources it needs to make a quicker recovery after a car accident.

7. Eat recovery foods. Eating certain foods can shorten your car accident recovery time by providing your body with the extra nutrition it needs to repair itself. There are different foods and supplements that can help you heal, depending on how you were injured. For example, fruits and vegetables are great for reducing inflammation, while proteins like chicken and fish will help to rebuild muscle mass.

8. Try massage therapy. Massage therapy is another effective treatment for car accident injuries. It offers patients several health benefits, such as improving range of motion, reducing muscle spasms, and promoting blood circulation to injured areas. The approach your massage therapist takes in aiding how you recover from accident injuries will vary depending on you and your health situation.

Dealing with emotional trauma: How to feel better after your car accident

You should also consider how to recover from accident injuries that might not be physical. Aside from bone or muscle pain, many people also suffer emotional trauma after a car accident. This may include issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or developing a strong fear of driving. Overcoming psychological trauma after an auto wreck can be challenging, but with the proper time and treatment, you’ll be able to recover your mental health and regain confidence on the road.

To promote a complete emotional recovery after your car accident, you can:

• Talk with friends or relatives.
• Get help from a professional counselor.
• Try to return to your daily activities and routines.
• Speak with your doctor about possible medications.
• Stay active, if your situation allows.
• Consult a car accident attorney.
• Avoid substances like drugs and alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Ease yourself back into driving.
• Be patient and give yourself time.

Having trouble recovering from your pain? Consult a professional.

If you or anyone you know has been in an auto accident, it’s extremely important to get an evaluation by a healthcare professional. Even low-impact collisions can cause long-term damage. Additionally, pain can take days, weeks, or even months before it becomes noticeable. It’s best to see a doctor directly after your accident, just to be safe. A medical professional can best tell you how to recover from a car accident.

And if you’re having trouble making ends meet after your collision — whether you were in a motorcycle or car collision or were even in a tractor-trailer wreck — the experienced attorneys at McIntyre Law can help. We’ll fight to get you compensated for your injuries, medical bills, lost time at work, and future living expenses.

You only have a limited amount of time following your accident to file a lawsuit, so don’t wait. Call one of our experts today and get started with a free consultation.

Learn more about what happens after an auto accident