Immediately after a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident, you may understandably be overwhelmingly grateful that he or she has survived. However, after you come to grips with what has happened, you may begin to think about the future and how your loved one may be impacted by this event. To fully support your loved one through this event, you can help in several ways.
Assist with Medical Needs
One of the most important aspects that you should focus your attention on is the individual’s health and well-being. Everything from being in the hospital during and after a surgery to assisting with transportation to doctor’s visits and therapy sessions can be helpful to the individual. Your loved one should know that he or she is not alone and that your full support and care are available at all times.
Look for Signs of Mental or Emotional Distress
Mental and emotional distress, such as from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, are common after a serious accident. These and other similar issues may require psychiatric treatment. Look for signs of these issues, and pay attention to what your loved one says to determine if special treatment is required.
Monitor Finances
Your loved one may not be able to work for weeks or months after the event occurs. In addition, medical bills may mount. You can help may actively monitor finances, deal with disability and insurance claims and even raising money through a fundraiser in some cases.
Consult with an Attorney
If someone else caused the accident or if you are having trouble getting the insurance company to pay out on a claim, you may need to consult with a side impact collision lawyer on behalf of your loved one. In some cases, a simple letter or two from a lawyer may resolve the issue. If not, the lawyer may represent your loved one in a legal proceeding. Through a lawsuit, your loved one may obtain compensation for everything from pain and suffering to medical bills, lost wages and more.
Serious accidents can have many immediate and long-term effects on your loved one. As you can see, there are many ways that you can help. Remember that other friends and family members may be able to assist in some of these ways as well. Your loved one may need all of the help and support possible to navigate through this difficult situation and to move past it.
