As an Atlantan, you’ll likely witness or hear of a car crash in your city now and again. Many of such accidents come with shattering effects like bodily injuries, property damage, and even death. While many car crash victims get help from an Atlanta auto accident lawyer, they’ll still need maximum support from close friends and family.
So, if you know a car crash victim, they may be counting on you in their difficult time. However, it’s not always easy to be a strong pillar of support in such situations. First, if they are a close friend or family member, you may be feeling almost as devastated as they are. Secondly, you may be confused about how to help them in a way that they’ll appreciate.
Nevertheless, you can still make a terrific support system for your loved ones if you’re determined to help them. We’ll show you what to say and do to help them feel better. But, first, let’s start with how they may be feeling after the crash.
The Effects of an Automobile Crash
The best way to know how to help a car crash victim is to understand what they’re experiencing. When you do, you’ll know precisely how to cheer them up. Every crash victim reacts in different ways to their situation. So, you’ll have to pay attention to them to recognize just how much the car crash has affected them.
We’ve discussed the most common effects of a traffic crash below:
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Physical Pain and Bodily Injuries
Car accidents are one of the primary causes of unintentional deaths in America. When they aren’t fatal, they can cause severe physical injuries and pain in victims. These injuries range from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and many more. Sometimes, they are life-altering.
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Anger
Traffic crash victims can feel angry after the accident. However, they may also feel anxious, guilty, fearful, irritated, or be in denial.
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PTSD
PTSD is an acronym for post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s a psychiatric disorder that usually occurs after a traumatic event like a car accident. PTSD patients startle easily, have trouble concentrating, and may develop sleeping disorders.
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Insomnia
Insomnia is a medical term for when someone has trouble sleeping. A car crash victim can develop insomnia as a PTSD or depression symptom after an automobile crash. This sleeping disorder can affect the quality of life of the victim in the long term.
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Financial Setbacks
After a car accident, victims must seek medical attention and cover the treatment cost. They may also lose their income due to debilitating injuries. So, it’s normal for them to be financially unstable after an accident.
What Can I Do for an Accident Victim?
Are you confused about how to help your friend or loved one after an automobile accident? You can start by doing the following:
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Be Present and Give Them Time
Sometimes, crash victims need you to be around them as much as you can. You may also offer to stay at their place till when they get better. However, know that your presence may not make everything right in an instant. You’ll still need to allow them to heal in their time.
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Offer Specific Help
Accident victims need a lot of help with routine activities that they can no longer perform. So, assist them with random chores like walking the dog, cleaning up the house, making food, etc. Again, suggest specific activities you can help out with instead of asking what you can do for them.
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Include Them in Fun Activities
Accident victims can easily slip into depression after a long time of no social activity. So, if you can, invite them for games and nights out as much as you can.
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Inform Them of Their Progress
You can help your loved ones feel better by letting them know that they’re making progress. Tell them how much they’re an inspiration to you and how excited you’re to witness their fast recovery.
An Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Can Provide Some Relief for Your Friends
The effects of a car crash in Atlanta go beyond physical hurt. Many times, the victims pass through severe emotional and psychological trauma too. In those times, you must be ready to be a support pillar for them. One of the best ways to help them through their difficult time is by making them talk to a lawyer.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers know precisely what crash victims are going through. As such, we’ll offer them all the support they need while also fighting for justice on their behalf. Contact us for a free case review today.
