Being in a car accident in Hollywood or Florida can be devastating, especially if you are seriously injured. In the days and weeks following your collision, you may feel upset, angry, frightened, or even anxious. In most cases, survivors of vehicle accidents get better.
However, if you have been in an accident, you need to stay alert for the signs that all is not right and that you may need added support. These signs may include:
1) Mood swings.
At first, some mood swings may be normal. However, if times goes on and you find yourself still struggling to control your emotions, you may want to consider counseling or a support group to deal with the trauma of the crash.
2) Lack of interest in everyday activities.
If you have trouble getting out of bed, completing work-day tasks, or engaging in hobbies, you may be suffering from depression. If so, you may require therapy or a doctor’s help to get better.
3) Relationship problems.
If you are pulling away from friends and family or your relationships are suffering because of the trauma you have suffered, you need to take action. You may need to treat your symptoms, get counseling, or seek other solutions.
4) Flashbacks, anxiety, or panic attacks.
While these may occur initially after an accident, they should fade with time. If they don’t and they start to affect your life – for example, you avoid driving or leaving the house because you fear having a panic attack – it’s time to seek help.
5) Sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders can include interrupted sleep, insomnia, or extended periods of sleep. If you are sleeping less or more than normal or you find yourself tired during the day, you will want to investigate. There may be a physical injury that has gone undiagnosed which may be contributing to your sleep disturbances. For example, if you have suffered facial injuries or are suffering chronic pain, you may have a hard time sleeping comfortably. You need to address that to get the sleep your body needs to heal. If you are suffering from trauma and are not recovering from it, this, too, could affect your sleep habits.
6) Lack of focus or memory problems.
If you are having trouble focusing or are having memory problems, visit a doctor immediately. You may have suffered a head injury in your Hollywood car crash. If this is the case, you’ll want medical supervision and treatment at once.
7) Dizziness, headaches, or any aches and pains.
Any physical symptoms at all should be treated immediately. If you feel fine after your accident but develop any physical symptoms in the hours, days, or weeks following the crash, visit a medical professional immediately. Some injuries take some time to develop symptoms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious injuries requiring prompt medical attention.
8) Thoughts of self-harm.
If you feel helpless or hopeless and consider harming yourself – even in passing – seek emergency care. Call a suicide prevention hotline or seek other urgent care at once. Trauma can cause these feelings, but they are treatable and manageable.
Whether you have been in a sideswipe accident, rear-end collision, or head-on crash in Hollywood, any South Florida car accident can be traumatic and can have serious emotional and physical consequences. Paying for therapy, counseling, and medical care can be costly. If you have been injured, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation to discuss your legal options and to find out whether you have a claim to help you pay for these costs.