5 Ways To Support A Loved One After A Vehicle Accident
Car accidents can be pretty traumatic events. They occur unexpectedly and can leave an individual reeling with guilt over the situation for prolonged periods. In addition, it can have adverse effects on a person’s health, self-esteem, worldview, and other aspects of their life.
If someone close to you has recently been involved in a car accident, they may be dealing with the emotional turmoil of the aftermath on their own. It can be difficult to talk to them about the accident or console them about the situation. Finding the right words to say to them may necessitate a lot of thought and careful selection.
In spite of this, you can’t just stand by and watch as your loved one’s mental or physical health takes a turn for the worse. So, to help you out, here are five ways you can help and support a loved one after a painful and traumatic vehicle accident.
- Make It Clear That It’s Not Their Fault
After a car accident or any other accident, people often think it was their fault. They ruminate on the situation and wonder if they could have avoided it in some way. The fear of solely shouldering the blame may prevent them from speaking up. To show them that the accident wasn’t their fault, you might need to take control of the conversation.
One example is if they happen to have been involved in a crash with an emergency vehicle as of late. Since it’s a driver’s responsibility to clear the way when an emergency vehicle dashes through the highway, they may think the unfortunate event is really their fault.
In this case, create a safe environment by discussing the accident in a way that alleviates any guilt they may be feeling. You can tell them that there are still attorneys who can conduct additional investigations and advise them on the appropriate course of action, as shown on websites like https://www.sadakafirm.com/fire-truck-accident-attorney/ and others like it.
Such information may help in easing the suffering your loved one is afflicted with and show them the way to the clear path of recovery and self-acceptance.
- Give Them Dedicated Help
Following a car accident, your loved one may still feel lost and disoriented. They may struggle to keep up with their daily routines, and as a result, they may turn to you for assistance. You can lend a hand by simply saying that you’re there for them and that you can help them with their schoolwork or job responsibilities, deliver them food, or do any other tasks they have that need to be accomplished.
Further to that, by providing assistance to a loved one, you give them time to think things through. And even if your loved one declines your offer, the fact that you made the suggestion will bring comfort to their weary heart.
- Allow Them Time To Deal With Their Pain
Coping after a vehicle accident isn’t easy for everyone. What makes it worse is that sometimes, the traumatized person would feel guilty for grieving or for not overcoming the situation as quickly as others. In this case, it’d be beneficial to assure them that you’re willing to respect their time to heal. By doing so, you’re providing them with the assistance they may require in the short and long term.
- Spend Quality Time With Them
In the midst of an emotional crisis, being alone can be frightening. Whether your loved one realizes it or not, they’re probably looking for support and company from someone they know and trust.
Being with their friends and distracting their minds from the car accident could make them feel cared for and loved. Presence from a trusted figure can be of great help. You can spend time with them in a variety of ways: invite yourself over to their house, order food and dine with them, watch a movie with them, or simply sit and talk with them about their day.
- Invite Them To Places
Even if they reject your invitations, don’t give up on inviting them out. In spite of the fact that you’ve asked them several times already and they’ve said no, don’t get tired until you get their resounding approval. It makes them feel included and allows them to say yes if the mood strikes. Even if they’ve been avoiding interactions, being subtracted out during a tumultuous time can be upsetting or cause them to feel lonely.
When they’re ready, encourage them to go for a jog or even to just catch a quick breath of fresh air outside if they’ve excluded themselves from the outside world for a long time after a traumatic car accident.
Final Word
At the end of the day, everyone’s support and care needs are unique. Nonetheless, the list above can serve as a starting point for you to provide support, affirmation, and love to your special someone after they’ve undergone a soul-crushing ordeal like a vehicular collision. Healing takes time, so exercise patience and understanding. And keep in mind that, while your loved one may not always be able to express it or even be aware of it, your company and assistance are already helpful for their healing journey.