Tips for Getting Behind the Wheel After a Serious Car Accident
Being in a car accident can change your confidence the next time you’re on the road. You may feel more scared and anxious, especially when another vehicle gets too close to you. It may take some extra work and planning to feel comfortable driving again after a serious car accident, however, not all hope is lost.
We have compiled a list of tips to help you regain your confidence when driving after an accident:
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It
Don’t be afraid to talk about your car accident or how it makes you feel. You may be surprised at how willing family and friends are to help you talk through what happened. This can also help them be aware of your fears, which means they may be more willing to drive during heavy traffic or bad weather for a few months while you get re-acclimated.
Drive With Another Person for a Few Months
It’s best to tackle your driving fears a little at a time. It can be helpful to bring another person with you the first few times you drive. This can make you feel safer and can be a great alternative if you decide that it’s just too much too soon. Talking with a passenger can also help distract you from feeling fearful.
Begin With Short Drives
Shorter drives to the grocery store or gas station allow you to ease into driving again. Try planning out your routes ahead of time and consider traffic levels. For example, running a few errands during the day when most people are at work or school may be easier than heading out during rush hour traffic.
Expose Yourself to Your Fears
Sometimes, exposing yourself to the things that you’re most scared of can help you overcome them faster. You may feel most comfortable avoiding the scene of the accident, but the more you drive by it, the less of an impact it will have on you. Try to make this spot a normal part of your daily commute and take back its control over you.
Brush Up on Driver Safety
It’s never a bad idea to brush up on driver safety. Many cities offer defensive driving courses that can provide you with a few tips to reduce your risk of an accident on the road. Most of us learn these safety tips when we’re just 16 years old, so a brush-up is always a good idea. Even better, you may even receive a discount on your insurance for taking the class.
Check the Weather
While you’re still regaining your confidence driving, you don’t want to also deal with other scary weather conditions. Get into the habit of checking the weather before you leave. If the weather calls for a lot of rain or snow, consider catching a ride with someone else. Give yourself a few months to gain confidence before tackling more difficult driving conditions.
Recovery from a car accident includes both physical and psychological recovery. Once you fully recover from the medical consequences of an accident, it’s time to focus on the emotional side of things. It’s possible to get behind the wheel again. However, it’s important to be patient with yourself and know that it may take some time to feel comfortable again.
Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of a car accident in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, and Trenton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
