How to Get Back in the Driver’s Seat After a Traumatic Car Accident

Apr 22, 2022 01:21 PM EDT | Staff Reporter

How to Get Back in the Driver’s Seat After a Traumatic Car Accident


(Photo : Jaromír Kavan via Unsplash)

Being involved in a car accident will likely be one of the most upsetting experiences you encounter in life. Unfortunately, there's at least one accident in the United States every 60 seconds. Everyone's experience is different, and while some people can get back behind the wheel right away, others might struggle. If you're concerned about driving after your accident, take note of the following tips.

Seek Legal Help

Sometimes, contacting legal experts like Gina Corena & Associates can be how you gain the necessary confidence to start driving after a severe accident. Compensation might allow you to afford the mental and physical health services you need to drive safely, or you might simply be seeking justice for someone's ill intentions or negligence. Don't underestimate the value that legal representation might have in helping you feel strong enough to drive independently and confidently in all conditions after a life-changing accident. 

Write Your Narrative

The details of traumatic events like car accidents can take up a lot of space in our minds. Our thoughts can become jumbled, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by these all-consuming feelings. As soon as you feel comfortable doing so, write down what happened from start to finish. Include as many details as you feel comfortable writing, and don't be afraid to write down how each part of the accident made you feel. 

Sometimes, writing down the thoughts swirling around in your mind is enough to make you feel better about your role in the accident and might even help you gain confidence to begin driving again. 

Bring Someone With You

Driving by yourself after a collision might be too much for you to handle right away, so consider taking someone with you. Having a calm, supportive passenger who encourages you and makes you feel safe might help you feel more relaxed on the road. They don't have to speak, but their presence might be enough to calm your nerves during this challenging time. 

Take Short Drives

You likely won't be ready for long road trips after a collision, but you can certainly work up to them. Gain back your confidence by taking short drives as you learn how to feel comfortable and relaxed. You might start by simply reversing out of your driveway and driving back up it, then progress to trips around the block. With time, you may feel happy to increase your driving distances.

Enroll in Driver Training

We encounter many different driving conditions over our lifetimes, such as snow, black ice, storms, and peak-hour traffic. Learn how to manage yourself and your vehicle in various situations by attending driver training. The more you learn, the more confidence you may have in your driving abilities. Even if you weren't to blame for your accident, you might be able to learn helpful tips that potentially keep you safer on the road in many different scenarios.

There's no denying that getting back into the driver's seat after a traumatic car accident can be challenging. It might take you weeks or months to even consider it. However, you might be ready sooner than you think with education, support, legal intervention, and time.

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