Being in a car accident can be one of the most frightening days of your life; emotions of all sorts are rushing through you, resulting in an overwhelming sense that the entire world is less stable than it was prior to the accident. If you’re the victim in a crash, meaning someone else was at fault, you likely also have feelings of anger and blame.
Adding to the chaos is the way people speak to you—law enforcement, insurance companies, and even your boss who you called to explain that you wouldn’t be making it to work on time can feel like they do not understand the gravity of what you just went through, leaving you confused.
It can be hard to figure out what needs to be done and to know what you’re entitled to, given how intense your emotional experience is. The following will explore a few of your rights that you might want to keep in mind if you’ve been the victim of a car crash.
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Compensation
If the accident has caused you injury (mental, emotional, or physical) or costs you money (either via medical bills, mechanic bills, or missed time at work), you are entitled to compensation. The legal team at https://www.davidchristensenlaw.com emphasize that insurance companies are often looking to pay out as little as possible; that’s how the insurance business stays so profitable.
Because of this, it’s important to speak to an attorney about what course of action is in your best interest. In many cases, pursuing one course of compensation involves you legally forfeiting your right to pursue other courses. Speak to a lawyer before you sign anything.
Speaking with Law Enforcement
While many members of law enforcement are people who genuinely want to make the world a safer place for everyone, mistakes can happen. Sometimes law enforcement is focused on getting traffic moving again or has misunderstood the situation and is about to report an incomplete view of things.
It is within your legal right to refuse to speak to a police officer without a lawyer present. Especially given how emotional you are post-accident, it might be a good idea to wait and give your statement to the police, having been given legal advice. This is extra important in instances where the other party is describing events incorrectly.
Seeking a Second Opinion
Doctors are spectacular people; they’ve devoted their lives to working absurd hours and keeping people healthy. This being said, they’re tired all the time and can make mistakes just like anyone else. If you feel for any reason that the diagnosis or treatment suggestion given to you by a doctor isn’t correct, seek a second (or third, or fourth opinion).
If you don’t like the side effects of the medication you’ve been given, ask for an alternative or seek a different doctor and explain your situation. It’s important to trust your instincts, especially because one out of every five patients is misdiagnosed. Beyond this, 88% of people who seek a second opinion will leave the second doctor’s office with a completely new or refined diagnosis.
Further, even if you don’t have issues with your diagnosis or treatment, it is advised to seek a second opinion if: symptoms continue after treatment, your diagnosis is rare, or if the recommended treatment has risks or involves surgery. Yes, you might just not need surgery; that’s a mistake that doctors can make.
Feeling Off
When it comes to returning to your daily life, know that it’s completely okay if you feel different or off. After you’ve had an extremely emotional experience, your brain might feel like it’s rewiring itself a little bit. If you’re stressed about getting in a car again, that’s understandable. Also read How Ecstasy Can Help People With PTSD.
If you have developed morbid curiosities and have become obsessed with getting your will and other death stuff in order, that’s understandable. If you feel manically excited for no apparent reason, that’s also understandable; you’ve just survived something that could have ended you.
If you have feelings of worthlessness because your job was a huge part of your identity, and you haven’t been working as much lately, that’s understandable. Let yourself feel the feelings you have without judgment. Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional if you feel you need to.
The above information should help you feel more confident in your rights after an accident. It’s important to note that car accidents are the number one cause of PTSD in America. If your feelings are interfering with your life or becoming unbearable for any reason, reach out.
