Back Behind the Wheel: Driving After an Accident

Automobile accidents are sadly a part of life, as is dealing with the aftermath. There may be injuries and costly repairs to the car. However, the emotional trauma of a car wreck is often overlooked, particularly when it involves a teenage driver. Fear of driving again can be a common side effect after an accident, and getting your teen “back in the saddle” might be more difficult than you think.Emotional Recovery After Your Child’s Accident

Dealing with your child’s fears after any trauma can be difficult, but it’s important to get them back to normal as soon as possible. Feeling frightened, sad or anxious are all normal coping mechanisms for many people dealing with an accident, but your teen may not understand why they feel the way they feel. Reassure your teen and let them know these are all normal reactions.

Encourage your child to talk.

It’s common for a teenager to want to keep their feelings bottled up inside, but knowing how they’re feeling is important. Encourage your child to talk to you about any anxiety they may be having. If they don’t feel comfortable speaking to you, try having them talk to a trusted friend, a doctor or even a therapist.Get them back out there.

When someone is feeling depressed or anxious, it’s natural that they may want to retreat to their room and hide away. Make sure you encourage your child to get out there and interact with friends and family. Do not let them skip out on scheduled extra-curricular activities. Getting back in their routine is essential for feeling more normal.Take a defensive driver course.

This can be something you do together, as learning how to be a defensive driver can be handy for anyone who gets behind the wheel. Defensive driving can help you and your teen to learn how to avoid future accidents, as well as identify and avoid dangerous driving.

If you suspect that your teen is having a difficult time recovering from their fender-bender, getting your doctor involved as early as possible is a good idea. Depression can be detrimental to a child’s development, and your doctor can diagnose this, as well as offer ideas for medication and therapists. Encourage your teen to be honest with your doctor, and explain to them that there is nothing wrong with having these feelings.Speak to an attorney.

If your teen is injured or suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, then you should speak to an injury attorney to see if you have a case. According to one Miami auto accident lawyer, ”pain and suffering as well as current and future medical bills is all part of what an accident victim can claim.” An accident specialist will be able to advise you on the best course of action when dealing with the insurance companies, doctors and court cases. Going local is important too, as an injury attorney in the city where the accident occurred will understand the local laws better than one from elsewhere.Helping your teen cope in their recovery from an automobile is difficult. Even if their is no major injury, there is the emotional trauma to contend with. Getting them back up and running and on their normal routine is essential to getting them back behind the wheel.

Writer Melanie Fleury has faced fear after a car accident and can only imagine how a teen driver would feel. She used the website of a Miami auto accident lawyer to learn more about what is due to a victim of a car accident that can help them cope with the fear of getting behind the wheel.

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djrue/1400125732/