Being involved in a motor vehicle crash sucks. It’s not only unexpected but it can be traumatizing and life-changing. Just think about it. We were all in a motor vehicle to reach some kind of destination. Some of us may have been on a schedule to arrive at work or a gathering and some of us may have just been out for a leisurely walk, a bicycle ride or a passenger and BAM! Our life as we knew it…literally changed in seconds. The journey after being involved in a crash is a challenge as we try to recover physically, emotionally, financially and psychologically not to mention tackling insurance and legal issues. We asked our online community to share some insight and although every recovery from a motor vehicle crash is unique, there are many common emotions and struggles.
What is One Word That Describes Your Struggles?
- Pain
- Hunger
- Life
- Crying
- Fight
- Tiring
- Change
- Frustrating
- Exhausting
- Life-changing
- Grief
- Broke
- Misunderstood
- Relentless
- Anger
- Sad
- Trust
As a Crash Survivor What Do You Need?
- We are looking for relief
- We are looking for understanding
- We are looking for support
- We are looking for answers
- We are looking for warmth
- We are looking for finances
- We are looking for energy
- We are looking for sleep
- We are looking for love and companionship
Why Did Your Crash Happen?
- Drunk Driver
- An Inexperienced Driver
- Driver ran a stop sign
- The Weather
- We Are Not Exactly Sure- As We Were Pedestrians
- Wildlife On The Road
- Distracted Driver
- Turning Left – Not Looking
- Not Paying Attention
- Fell Asleep
- The Cab I Was In At The Time Hit A Pedestrian
- Texting & Driving
- I Was Cut Off
- Speeding
Heartbreaking isn’t it? Being in a motor vehicle crash sucks and most of these crashes could have been prevented. The Crash Support Network Group which is an online support group for crash survivors currently has 1000+ members with some as far away as Australia because it affects everyone across the globe. This Wednesday, it will be seven years since my crash which was caused by a distracted driver. Some crash survivors say it gets easier in time as we approach the day our lives changed forever. I somewhat agree but I can honestly tell you that I will never truly forget the date my life changed forever. Last year, I acknowledged my crashiversary by writing a blog entitled 6 Years of Healing where I outlined my personal struggles for the last six years as a crash survivor which gained exceptional feedback including crash survivors thanking me for writing something they could relate to in so many ways.
Focusing on What I Gained
This year, I will continue not to dwell on what I have lost but rather focus on what I have gained. There are hundreds of thousands of people who are all trying to navigate their road to recovery and being involved in a motor vehicle crash sucks. Not so many years ago, my life was literally in shambles. It was extremely hard for me to see into the future and see anything positive. Being left to face multiple injuries, huge life changes and chronic pain, it continues to be one of the hardest barriers that I have ever had to face.
Join Our Online Support Group
Having a strong support system like family and friends played an important role in my recovery but not everyone is as lucky and that concerns me. Our Online Support Group holds space for you to vent, to feel heard, valued and understood. Not so long ago, there came a moment when I realized that while I was advocating for myself, I was actually advocating for others as well and that’s the moment you realize you will never give up. The person I am today would like to thank the person I was seven years ago for not giving up and would also like to thank my fiancé who continues to love and support me.
This year, as I approach my crashiversary, I am also grateful for the gift of writing that is both extremely hard and easy at the same time. Although it is painfully slow for me at times, it is always so rewarding.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
