Recovering from Slow Moving Car Accidents
Slow-moving collisions usually take place around parking lots and driveways. Luckily, major injuries are less common and recovery takes place quickly. However it is important to note, even a minor car accident can cause a stressful situation to arise. A visit to the GP, multiple phone calls to various insurance company representatives, repairers can all take a toll on your health. Minor damage to the car can be expensive and if you are not at fault, you would not want to bear the repair costs. A few tips will help you to stay calm and understand what should be done after a minor car accident.
Important steps to be taken after a Car Accident
- Check for injuries to you and your fellow passengers. Some injuries are not noticeable immediately. If you are not sure about whether you have any injuries, call for an ambulance or see a GP or Physiotherapist as soon as possible
- Look for Fire or Sparks. If you see smoke or smell something unusual, move away from the vehicle. If your car has airbags, you may see dust in the air.
- Do not block traffic. Move your car away from the road to a safer place, if your accident is minor.
- Stay calm and manage your emotions. It is normal to be in shock or become angry after an accident. Do not blame the other driver.
- Call the police if a person has been injured or there is major damage due to the accident. A Police report will be required to start the CTP insurance process to receive medical benefits. This Police report / event number is required even if you were not at fault.
- Get contact information of other drivers and eye-witnesses. Take phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy information of other drivers. You can use the camera on your mobile to take a picture of these for use later on.
- Avoid roadside negotiations. You don’t want to promise not to pursue an insurance claim or not to involve the police.
- Using your cell phone camera to take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles from as many angles as possible. Note any skid marks or any evidence of the other driver’s fault.
- Call your Insurance Provider and report to the insurance company even if you are not at fault.
- Never leave the scene of an accident until you have exchanged contact information with other drivers. You will have to wait, if police are on their way or criminal charges may be brought against you.
Can Physiotherapy help you recover from Car Accident Injuries?
Prompt medical advice from your GP and treatment from your Physiotherapist is the key to recovery in case of a car crash. Early Physiotherapy treatment can help in managing, relieving and overcoming pain and physical injuries due to a car accident. Research has shown that the right kind of Physiotherapy treatment will promote the body’s healing processes. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and provide the most appropriate treatment after a motor vehicle accident.
Physiotherapy Treatment:
Physiotherapy treatment includes various aspects such as:
- Educating patients
- Recommending exercises
- Manual Therapy / Massage
- Postural techniques used to reduce pain and restoring strength and mobility.
- Exercises to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
- Rehabilitation programs that include all the above enable patients to recover over time and get back to their normal routine, work or sports.
