(Newswire.net — June 28, 2022) — If you know someone who’s been in an accident, you might wonder how you can assist. There are several ways you can help a friend after an accident. Even the smallest gestures of goodwill can go a long way.
The most important thing you can do is listen to what they are asking for and try to meet their needs to the best of your ability. Offer assistance in any tasks they are unable to perform, like cooking or driving to appointments.
Cook for Them
Car accident victims need nutritious food to help in their recovery. Cooking for accident victims is a great way to help. Order it from a restaurant or food service if you can’t make it yourself.
Having different people prepare meals each night could help meet your friend’s food needs even further. Don’t forget to find out their allergies and dietary restrictions in advance.
Encourage Them
Kind words of comfort can help. You can tell them you’re sorry for what happened or glad they’re safe. It may seem like a simple step, but the impact could be significant. Let them know you hear them and understand what they are going through.
When being supportive, don’t tell them how to feel; instead, try offering a safe space to express emotions.
Practice Active Listening
Sometimes, people need someone to listen to their stories. Car accidents are emotionally draining. Let your friend share their feelings and frustrations, and ask questions afterward.
Encourage them to lead the conversation by asking open-ended questions. If they show anger or express intense emotions, don’t become defensive – it’s not directed at you.
Get Them Where They Need to Go
Whether your friend’s vehicle was damaged or not, offer to take them to appointments or errands. These could include doctor’s visits or trips to their McAllen personal injury lawyer for a case consultation.
Alternatively, you can take them on a scenic drive, a walk in the park, or go somewhere they like to get them out of the house. You can spend time with your friend and help their physical and emotional health.
Help With Daily Errands and Tasks
You might want to handle some of their daily tasks while they rest. This could include:
- Picking up prescriptions
- Feeding pets
- Canceling appointments
- Picking up kids from school
- Walking their dog
- Mailing a bill
- Cleaning their home
- Picking up groceries
Check for Injury Symptoms
After an accident, people need to prioritize their health. When someone is dealing with the details of a car accident, it’s easy to forget about their health. Encourage them to see a doctor to identify their injuries, such as back pain or whiplash. Furthermore, you can help monitor their daily recovery progress.
Support Their Mental Health
Understanding the psychological effects of an accident can help you better support your friend. Many accident victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy can help people recover from the mental injuries of a car accident.
If they caused the accident, they might feel guilty. Know your limits. If you don’t know how to support your friend’s psychological health, contact a qualified mental healthcare professional or suggest they contact one.
Offer a Thoughtful Get-Well Gift
Don’t worry if you don’t know what to get someone after a car accident. Wanting to buy a gift is common when you find out someone you love was injured, but what to get might be less clear. You know your friend better than others.
Some prefer practical gifts like food delivery, cards, or babysitting services. Other people prefer fun or luxurious gifts like spa packages. Think about what your friend likes when choosing a gift.
Help the Family
Supporting your friend’s family is essential when recovering from an accident. Seeing a loved one suffer is difficult. Help them ease their burden by understanding they’re hurting. Try to respect the family’s boundaries to know when you’re needed and when to give them more space.
The Bottom Line
If your friend was in a car crash, the most important thing is to be there for them. Follow their lead and listen to what they need. Emotional support can go a long way in securing your friend’s physical and psychological well-being.