It’s normal to be unsettled if you’ve been in a not my fault car accident, and it can take time to feel confident behind the wheel again. But sometimes these feelings indicate something more serious is going on, so it’s important to know where to draw the line and seek help.
Normal feelings
Shortly after a car accident, you might be feeling anxious, afraid, or having difficulty processing what’s happened. You might even feel angry or guilty, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. These feelings can last for weeks or even months, but you will see a gradual improvement over time. The first few weeks are likely to be the worst, but after a few months, you’ll probably be thinking about getting back on the road even if you’re a bit nervous.
When it might be PTSD
Negative feelings that interfere with your life on a daily basis over an extended period could indicate that you need some help overcoming the emotional impact of the accident. You might not want to drive or be a passenger in a car, or constantly replay the accident in your mind. General feelings of anxiety or a detachment from your life could also be connected to post-accident trauma, as could nightmares and poor sleep.
What you can do
If you’re worried you might be experiencing symptoms of PTSD or another mental health condition as a result of a not my fault accident, seeking help is key. Speaking to a doctor or therapist can help you become more confident once again and reclaim your life. It’s also important to surround yourself with friends and family for support during this time, as feeling alone can make everything seem much worse.
Get in touch
Here at Not My Fault, we want to help you get back on your feet. While recovering from emotional distress, the last thing you need is to be worrying about finding yourself an accident replacement car. We’ll take care of all this for you, so that you have time to recover in a way that’s best for you.
