Motorcycle mishaps can have long-term effects that are often overlooked. After a crash, victims may feel like they’re back to normal after just a few weeks. That’s because some of these effects don’t always surface right away. In some cases, it can take years for the full extent of the damage to appear. The result is an uphill battle with physical therapy, surgical recovery, and the natural psychological effects of such an ordeal. If you were involved in a mishap as a rider or passenger, you need to know what to look out for and how to protect yourself from these long-term consequences. Here are some pointers.
Stay in Shape Physically
Staying in shape can go a long way toward helping your body heal. While being gentle with yourself is important, being active can help you recover faster. It can also prevent you from gaining weight while you recuperate—something that’s common after a long-term injury. Being more active can also help ease your mind and make you feel more at ease with what happened. You might feel better about yourself, too. A big part of staying fit after a crash is taking care of your back. Your spine is particularly vulnerable after an accident, and you must protect it by avoiding heavy lifting and bending. Avoid sitting for too long without taking breaks to stretch and walk around. Stay hydrated, too.
Meet with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Consider consulting a personal injury solicitor to discuss your legal options. They can help you to win your motorcycle accident claim, which can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses caused by the accident. The sooner you begin working with a solicitor, the sooner you can start recovering from this traumatic event. Your attorney will communicate with the insurance companies and provide them with your evidence to push for a speedy settlement.
Consider Seeing a Therapist
After a crash, it’s totally normal to feel afraid, angry, and depressed. These feelings are a natural response and can last for months. If the feelings don’t go away, they can turn into long-term issues like PTSD. To prevent these types of problems, you might want to consider seeing a therapist who specializes in working with trauma survivors. You don’t have to be “crazy” to see a therapist. Seeing a specialist might help you process what happened and overcome some of the long-term effects.
Protect Your Spine with Proper Posture and Gear
Your spine is a sensitive part of your body that you must protect at all costs. After a crash, it’s common to sustain a herniated disc that puts pressure on the nerves in your spine. You can avoid this by wearing a good riding suit and not riding while you’re too tired. Sitting with poor posture can also lead to long-term issues with your back. Try to sit up straight and keep a healthy posture while on the road. Wearing a good helmet that fits your head properly can also help.
Get Help from Family and Friends
If you have a supportive family and friends, let them know what you’re going through. Let them know if you’re having trouble dealing with what happened. It’s good to lean on those around you who can understand what you’re going through and help you get through it. You can also consider joining a support group for accident victims. You can find a support group through motorcycle clubs or local motorcycle shops.
It’s easy to get frustrated during the recovery process. After a crash, you want to feel better as soon as possible. But that’s not always the case. The healing process takes time. You might feel like you’re getting better, but then you hit a snag. Don’t get frustrated and give up. Instead, channel your energy into staying positive and focusing on what you can do. Take walks, work on creative projects, or visit with friends and family.
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