Free Consultation. No Fees Until You Collect. Call 24 Hours a Day 1-800-4-RIGHTS
Minnesota Offices

Serving all of Minnesota
Call 1-800-4-RIGHTS

If you’re recovering, we’ll come to you. Or we’ll set up a meeting at one of our convenient office locations:

See all results for ‘
Enter 3 or more characters for full site search

8 Tips for Coping with Trauma after a Car Accident

A car accident can leave you reeling. You may be shocked, anxious, and afraid. These emotions may only grow in intensity in the days and weeks following the accident. The stress can become overwhelming.

This emotional trauma often impacts the lives of car accident victims in significant ways. Work and relationships suffer. Daily life becomes a grind.

If you are experiencing emotional trauma in the aftermath of an accident, know that there’s always hope. In this post, we’ll look at the practical steps you can take to recover your health and move forward with your life. 

1. Know How an Accident Can Affect You

Unlike physical injuries, emotional trauma isn’t apparent on the surface. The emotional pain can cause significant damage without the victim realizing something is wrong. Because of this, it’s important to know what to watch out for.

Common symptoms of emotional trauma include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Shame
  • Insomnia and other sleep problems
  • Nightmares
  • Unexplained chronic pain
  • Fatigue
  • Social withdrawal

If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident, don’t disregard them. You may be experiencing emotional trauma—and it may impact you in more ways than you know. 

2. Accept Your Trauma

The first step to recovering from trauma is acknowledging it. Don’t ignore your feelings or bottle them up. You have nothing to hide. An accident can be devastating, and it’s natural to have a strong reaction. It’s okay not to be okay.

3. Take Care of Yourself

When you’re feeling stressed or upset, it’s easy to slip into unhealthy habits. This will only make matters worse. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including:

  • Prioritizing sleep
  • Eating well
  • Drinking only in moderation
  • Spending time with loved ones

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should push yourself too hard. There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy. But be sure you don’t withdraw from life or neglect the necessary things.

4. Keep a Journal

Writing your feelings in a journal is a great way to process your trauma. The act of writing your thoughts out helps get them out of your head so you can consider them more clearly. You may find that it doesn't seem so big once you put your fear or confusion down on paper. At the very least, you will likely feel some relief from the thoughts that have been troubling you.

5. Reach Out for Support

Don’t isolate yourself. Facing a challenge is always easier when you have a little backup. Reach out to friends, family, mentors, or anyone you can trust to help you. Even if they don’t have any useful insights or advice for you, just having someone to share your feelings with can make a world of difference.

6. See a Doctor

Even if you don’t think you’re injured, you should always visit a doctor after an accident. An undiagnosed physical injury could cause emotional distress. Some injuries have delayed symptoms that don’t appear for days or weeks after the accident. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to severe complications.

The sooner you can see a doctor, the better—for both body and mind.

7. Speak with a Professional

Speaking with a therapist or psychologist is another important step in overcoming your trauma. A licensed professional will be able to help you process what happened and give you the tools to move on with your life.

8. Talk to an Attorney

Minnesota law gives you the right to pursue compensation if you are injured through someone else’s negligence. This includes psychological injury, considered a legitimate form of pain and suffering.

An experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney will evaluate your case and help you get any compensation you’re entitled to. They may also be able to recommend a trustworthy doctor or therapist to speak to about the challenges you’re facing.
 

Get the Help You Need to Reclaim Your Life

An accident can change your life in an instant. But by taking the proper steps, you can begin the process of starting again.

If you are injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation—and we can help you get it. At SiebenCarey, we’ve spent 70 years helping injury victims get the financial support they need after an accident.

Just contact us, and we can:

  • Explain your rights to you
  • Investigate the details of your injury
  • Build a strong case on your behalf
  • Negotiate with stubborn insurance companies
  • Guide you toward a favorable settlement or verdict

Click here for a free, no-risk case evaluation.

Related Posts

Client Reviews

out of 200 reviews
Jazz Smith

SiebenCarey is a professional and dedicated law organization that help accident victim.

St. Paul Local 12

Thanks for everything, your experience paid off BIG!!!

Daniel Ball

Really good professionals, they solved my issues in no time using the most impressive and advanced approach. Really good, highly recommended.

Morgan Petoletti

My husband had an amazing experience with this firm. They listened and took the time to understand our case.

Renee Goneau

SiebenCarey is a great personal injury law firm that really cares about their clients.  Highly recommend!

Carly R.

My boyfriend was hit by a car and while all the attorneys he talked to said he didn't have much chance of a case, SiebenCarey took him on and gave him a fighting chance. He's still recovering, but SiebenCarey is making it a lot easier.

Jesse Bukal

In need of a personal injury attorney? Well you're if you're reading this you're in the right place. You'd be hard pressed to find more competent attorneys than the ones here at SiebenCarey.

They took my case to trial and an amazing job presenting the facts and fighting for my best interests! Three years ago I was unsure of what my future would bring; now that it's over I can rest a bit easier. With SiebenCarey as my counsel, I believe I had the absolute BEST representation a person could've asked for. I knew that I wanted the absolute best representation when searching for an attorney to handle my case and I most definitely received it.

If you need a personal injury attorney, look no further. Can't recommend highly enough.

Eric Petoletti

Even though I was states away and could only talk on the phone, they listened and did everything that they could to win my case. I felt like I was a part of the family.

Jenna L. at Insider Pages

I have had nothing but great service with these guys. They are very knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects and topic. They will help you with any case you need!

Michelle Hanks

After suffering a life changing traumatic brain injury, Jim Carey and his staff made my recovery process so much easier. They guided me through all of my medical treatment and mediation and made me feel supported the entire time. Even though COVID-19 put a spin on things and process changes, everything was so smooth. I would recommend this team any day!

Award Winning Know Your Rights Attorneys

Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists

8 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.

2022 Super Lawyers

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

2022 Best Lawyers in America©

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.

2022 U.S. News Best Law Firms

Also awarded in:
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Attorneys of the Year

5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year

FREE DOWNLOAD

50%

To help us recommend the best resources for you, please indicate the relevant accident type below:

Step 1 of 2: Case

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Step 2 of 2: Download

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

FREE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE

50%

To help us customize our resources for you, please indicate the relevant accident type below:

Step 1 of 2: Accident Type

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Step 2 of 2: Download

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

FREE DOWNLOAD!

50%
The Minnesota No-Fault Fact Sheet is a valuable resource for all Minnesotans

Have you been in a recent accident, if so, which type?

Please select an answer before proceeding

Please enter your email address below so we can send your download link right away.

Please enter your valid email address so we can send your download link and special printing instructions.

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.

Had an Accident or Injury?
WE CAN HELP!

  • No risk or obligation. We only collect fees if you win.
  • Free review of your options and potential for success.
  • Trusted by more than 65,000 people just like you since 1952.

Call us 24/7 at 1-800-4-RIGHTS(744487)

Or complete the form

Secure form. Your information is confidential with us.
Please enter the required information above

Would you recommend us?

We are interested in hearing about your experience with SiebenCarey Personal Injury Law.

Would you mind leaving a review? If so, please take a moment to tell us about your experience and also mention the attorney you worked with. Your feedback helps us to improve our services to you and all clients.

Step 1 of 2:

Contact Us

We strive to provide top quality legal and customer service. We're sorry that we didn't meet our own expectations for you - How can we do better?

Please enter the required information above