Recovering from a car accident

When you think of car accidents, you might think of a major incident resulting in a loss of life and roads closed for hours. Or you might think of a neck injury and then claiming for whiplash.

If you’ve been unfortunate enough to suffer a car accident, you’ll know just how traumatic they can be. That’s why it’s important to focus on your recovery after the event.

Your chances of a car accident

For decades, the world has been trying to reduce the number of accidents seen on global roads. In many regions, this has been accomplished. For example, Europe, the Americas and the Western Pacific have seen their respective car accident fatality rates drop since 2013.

But in Africa, we still have the highest rate of road traffic accident deaths than any other continent. In 2016, there were 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people in Africa, according to the World Health Organization. This was an increase from the 2013 figure of 26.1 per 100,000.

This means that here in Africa, you’re more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than anywhere else in the world.

Injuries associated with car accidents

From the fatal to the minor, car accidents can really cause a wide range of injuries. The level of injury suffered will depend on the severity of the accident and accident severity is typically dictated by the kind of road being driven on. For example, due to the higher speeds being travelled at, highways will typically see more serious accidents, while urban roads may see more accidents, but there will usually be fewer fatalities and life-changing injuries.

Whiplash is the most common type of injury caused by car accidents. It is caused by the head jerking forwards or backwards – usually in a car accident. Whiplash is the term used when the soft tissue in the neck – ligaments, muscles and tendons, among others – are stretched suddenly.

If the accident has been severe enough, life-changing injuries could be the result. This could include head and brain injuries, spinal damage, internal injuries, serious burns and paralysis.

Recovering from a car accident

When you’re hurt in a car accident, it becomes vital to get the right level of medical treatment as soon as possible. This is true even if you think your injury was only minor. If left for too long, you might end up suffering significant problems from a car accident injury. After a car accident, it also then becomes essential to listen to your doctor. If they tell you that bed rest will give you the best chance of recovery, then don’t start training for a marathon.

It’s equally important to consider your mental recovery. A car accident – particularly a serious one – could mean that you end up feeling anxious about getting in a car again. Think about getting some emotional and mental support at times like this. And don’t forget about leaning on your family and friends, who all want the best for you.

As part of your recovery, you might also want to consider making a personal injury claim. This could help you get the financial assistance you need to help pay for treatment, which could include expensive physiotherapy.