Managing injuries after a truck accident is a matter of juggling pain, stress, and overwhelm all at once. Your physical recovery is hard enough, but the emotional impact can hit just as hard. Healing takes time, but a gentle approach that supports your body and mind can make it a lot easier to navigate.
1. Understand your legal rights
While you’re healing, don’t put off talking to a lawyer. Accidents involving tractor-trailers and semi-trucks are often more complex than a typical car accident.
For example, with a truck accident, the truck driver might not be the only party responsible. Trucking companies, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, and even vehicle manufacturers sometimes share fault. If you’re going to file a lawsuit, you need a lawyer to guide you through the process.
If you’ve been injured, you have the right to recover financial compensation for your injuries and lost wages. But you don’t need to accept the first offer you’re given. In most cases, the insurance provider will throw out a lowball offer, hoping you’ll take it and disappear. Never accept an offer without first talking to a lawyer. With a strong case and an experienced attorney, you can recover a far more generous settlement.
2. Prioritize medical treatment
When you’ve been in an accident with a big rig, your body may not show all the signs of injury. Some injuries take time to show up, like concussions, internal bleeding, and whiplash. Get treated right away but also go back for a follow-up appointment just to be thorough.
Seeking medical care is essential for your recovery, but it’s also a critical part of your strategy for recovering compensation. You need proof that you were injured in the first place, as well as medical bills, to justify your compensation.
3. Establish a gentle movement and therapy plan
Even while you recover, your body needs movement. You won’t heal well sitting completely still or lying in bed all day long (unless your injuries are so severe they prevent you from moving your extremities). If you can get up and walk around, even just walking around the house is better than nothing.
Gentle walking, leg swings, arm circles, and similar gentle movements will help maintain circulation and prevent stiffness and muscle atrophy. However, make sure to get the okay (and help if needed) from a physical therapist first. A trained physical therapist can create a series of exercises that take your injuries into account.
Don’t forget to get plenty of rest. Listen to your body. If your pain levels increase, ease up and tell your doctor. Movement is a critical part of recovery, but after a truck accident, it needs to be gentle.
4. Rebuild strength and mobility over time
After you’ve mostly healed, your next phase is rebuilding your strength and mobility. But this needs to be done gently and gradually. Under medical guidance, start using light resistance bands or weights to rebuild your strength and ease into heavier work.
If you’re feeling stiff, yoga and stretching can make a huge difference. You can also do mobility drills with a professional therapist to guide you. All of these options are gentle ways to recover full range of motion.
5. Take care of your emotional and mental wellbeing
In addition to caring for your physical body, don’t forget to manage your emotional wellbeing. The emotional impact of a truck accident injury can be severe. If you’re experiencing anxiety or you fear driving, that’s your cue to take care of your mental health.
Talking with a licensed therapist or joining a support group can help you learn ways to cope and reduce stress. For example, mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation, and Tai Chi are all excellent ways to regulate your nervous system.
Remember that your emotional health will impact your physical recovery. If you’re stressed out, your body will take longer to recover. Taking your mental wellbeing seriously will help you heal faster.
6. Adopt healthy sleeping and eating habits
While you’re healing, sleep and nutrition are two of your best allies. Getting deep, restorative sleep is crucial since that’s how your body rebuilds. And the entire healing process is fueled by nutrition. Lean protein, omega-3s, and foods rich in antioxidants are necessary for tissue repair and sustained energy.
Build a gentle path forward
Healing after a truck accident can be a long journey. By taking a gentle approach and following your doctor’s advice, you’ll be able to rebuild strength, reduce stress, and eventually return to daily life.