The COVID-19 pandemic was a tumultuous time for a great many people, with lockdowns and restrictions closing shops, bringing industries to a standstill and emptying the UK’s road network. But as motorists begin to return to the roads and motorways, and road traffic increases to higher levels than even before the pandemic, road traffic incidents are highly likely to increase. Knowing what to expect and how best to recover is half the battle, and the knowledge may keep you calm even after the stress of an accident. Here is a step-by-step on the best way to recover following a car accident.
Visit Your GP
Visiting a medical professional should be the second thing you do after suffering a car accident – second only to going home and getting some rest. Some injuries may take a little time to manifest, and giving your body that time to de-stress and reckon with itself is hugely important. Your GP will identify any ailments via a full body check-up – be sure to mention any symptoms or pain you’ve noticed.
Take a Break
Take some time off work if possible, to allow your body to recuperate. Whiplash injuries can make any form of office work unbearably painful – and any form of prolonged activity involving you engaging your neck muscles while injured will only exacerbate your condition. Likewise for manual labour and any injuries incurred from your airbag or seatbelt; do not be tempted to rush back to working as normal, or you may frustrate your recovery process.
Consult an Injury Claims Specialist
While you’re resting up is the perfect time to consider entering a personal injury claim. The compensation process can be stressful and time-consuming, and using your recovery time to think about it – while everything is fresh in your mind – will benefit you in the short and long term. Use a compensation calculator to see what you might be owed in compensation, and consult a claims specialist to get the ball rolling on the process.
Start Exercising
After a period of rest and recuperation, it’s important for you to start re-engaging your body in a staggered and healthy way. Muscles will still be stiff from injury, as well as your period of restfulness, so a careful ramping up of stretching exercises and light cardiovascular exercise is key. If your injuries are a little more serious – sprains, strains, even ligament injury – be sure to consult a physiotherapist on your recovery route – and factor the incurred costs into your injury claim.
Be Patient
The most important part of your recovery process is patience. Some things may take more time to heal than others – and the stress that can come from such a traumatic event can take time to shift. Be sure to check in with yourself regularly, and try not to push yourself back to your pre-injury state.