Facing a motor vehicle crash while living in such an unprecedented time can be extra challenging to say the least. Recently, I had a couple of victims reach out to me expressing their fear of going to the emergency room for injuries that they sustained from an unexpected motor vehicle crash because they didn’t want to get sick. Numerous people are still driving everyday and unfortunately motor vehicle crashes are continuing. That being said, any person involved in a motor vehicle crash should seek medical attention immediately as many injuries can cause life-altering or life-threatening injuries that are not always noticeable right away.
Any injury in which you may have sustained a head trauma, a laceration requiring sutures, a broken bone or internal injuries due to trauma should be addressed immediately and in an urgent care setting. Fortunately, the emergency rooms at local hospitals are continuing to provide emergency care to patients and medical staff are wearing protective equipment at all times. There are also other options available if you do not want to go to the hospital. Many local clinics and urgent care facilities are continuing to treat patients who have suffered injuries but it is a good idea to call ahead and explain your current issues/injuries so they can determine what the best course of treatment will be.
Virtual Care is Beneficial
Your doctor’s office may have reduced hours or may be seeing fewer patients. Even if that’s the case, take the first appointment available. If you don’t feel comfortable going to the doctor’s office due to mobility issues or fear of getting sick, ask if their office is offering telephone or video appointments. Your doctor may be able to “see” you remotely and prescribe medication, suggest at-home treatments, or refer you to a specialist. Even physical therapy can sometimes be done through video appointments. Many virtual appointments are taking place with family doctors and online treatment options have recently become available. With a virtual call, medical care and advice can be obtained to determine which course of action should be taken to treat injuries. With these services, you can seek comfort in knowing that you can speak to an actual doctor who can prescribe medications and give sound medical advice. Personally, I have used this service a few times with my family doctor and it is has been extremely beneficial.
Please also keep in mind that if you cannot get a formal virtual appointment, you can still call and update your provider with information about how you are feeling and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Let them know that you would like to be seen as soon as possible after social distancing or lockdown restrictions have been lifted. Obviously, there may be situations that require you to visit a medical professional in person due to your injuries. Although many are still seeing patients, they have dramatically altered their procedures to maintain the safety of both staff and patients. Before you visit a doctor or therapist, call them and get a very specific list of what they are doing to make “in person” visits safe.
You Must Continue to Look After Your Injuries
If you have recently been injured in a motor vehicle crash and opted out of seeking medical attention at the crash scene and are feeling unwell, you must seek urgent medical assistance as soon as possible. Secondly, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer. Even as we face these challenging times, personal injury lawyers are still working efficiently and are available to take your call, and most offer free consultations.
Keeping notes can be very therapeutic and you may forget as time goes on and I explained how important this is in my blog, 15 Things Every Crash Survivor Should Know. Unfortunately, facing a motor vehicle crash, you may feel even more vulnerable, especially if your loved ones cannot help you because they need to social distance. This is likely to have drastic effects especially on crash survivors who have been involved in life-changing injuries. Taking time to share your feelings is critical and talking with others who have our best interests at heart makes us feel safe. If you can, try your best to set up a zoom meeting, facetime or skype to connect with family or friends as you need to stay connected.
Support is Critical in Your Recovery
Having a strong support system played an important role in my recovery but not everyone is as fortunate and that concerns me. The Crash Support Network Group holds space for you to vent, to feel heard, valued and understood. With over 800 members and counting, we welcome you to join us as we are always here for you.
If your loved one is at home recovering from a crash, send them a quick email or a card in the mail to let them know how much you are thinking of them. Sending a card in the mail as an unexpected surprise to your loved one that is recovering will make their day. Trust me, I know this because I am a crash survivor.
Even though we still continue to face this pandemic, it is so important that you do not neglect the legal aspects of your motor vehicle crash and your injuries. If you’re struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for help. Be extra kind to yourself and please stay safe, healthy and try your best to remain positive.
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.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
