By Alauddin 
Single-vehicle accidents can have serious health impacts on the victims. According to Forbes, a whopping 42,514 fatal car accidents were reported across the country in 2022.
You as a survivor could be left facing extra challenges other than the immediate physical injuries. There could be a series of emotional and psychological problems that can negatively impact your mental health. External physical injuries like broken bones or head injuries are visible injuries and can be treated.
However, if you are struggling with chronic mental issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma, recovery can be painful. More importantly, it can be a long-lasting issue. These underlying issues can significantly affect your daily life.
Hence, a balanced, multidimensional approach becomes important in recovery. Let us look at why a holistic approach is important for a successful recovery from a car accident.
Understanding the Physical Impact
Single-vehicle accidents could lead to normal injuries where you end up with cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. The severity of these injuries depends on factors like vehicle speed, collision type, and the occupants wearing seatbelts.
NHTSA reports that 25,420 people in passenger vehicles died in 2022. Out of those 25,420, half of them were killed for not wearing their seat belts.
Therefore, let’s take a look at a case study to better understand the physical impact of a single-vehicle crash.
Back in May 2024, a 25-year-old man driving a Nissan Altima was involved in a single-vehicle accident in Little Rock. He sustained severe injuries after crashing into a tree and a concrete barrier. This shows how devastating single-vehicle accidents can be.
Keith Law Group advises that you should get immediate medical attention even if your injuries don’t look serious. Immediate assessment and care are important because injuries might look normal at first glance. However, it can turn into a serious medical condition over time.
In situations like the above-mentioned accident case, single-vehicle accidents can be physically and emotionally tiring. You as a victim can have a tough time understanding the legal system and dealing with injuries.
On the other hand, there could be a situation where your insurance companies could deny claims or offer unfair settlements. This could potentially leave you with no choice but to accept the reality of the situation.
In circumstances like these, getting in touch with car accident lawyers could be your best bet. They can help you handle legal issues related to the accident during your recovery period post the tragic accident.
Additionally, they have the right experience to guide you through these complex legal processes which include insurance negotiations, evidence gathering, etc.
Hence, if you’re a car accident victim in Little Rock struggling with your legal case, contact a Little Rock car accident lawyer.
Speaking of physical injuries, you could be facing a lot of those like head injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, etc. However, you need to remember that these injuries can extend beyond the initial damage. The chances are quite high that they could lead to chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a long-term painful condition that you can end up with after accident-related injuries. A study found that 45% of road accident victims reported chronic pain, two years later after the accident.
The pain linked to chronic conditions could range from mild to severe which could spoil your daily activities, sleep, and mental health. To manage chronic pain, you could possibly consider a multidisciplinary approach which includes medication, physical therapy, and mental support.
The Toll on the Emotional State
The emotional impact of a single-vehicle accident can be as serious and traumatic as the physical injuries you suffered. Most of the victims usually struggle with multiple psychological issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression. Reports say that, every year, over 50 million people around the world experience trauma caused by traffic accidents.
These mental health issues can have a serious impact on your ability to think, and the way you handle stress. Additionally, it will also impact your relationship-building capabilities and your daily routine.
Hence, seeking professional help becomes important for you to manage the emotional toll. Counseling and therapy could be an ideal option in times like these where you need to deal with your emotions. These mental health treatments can help you learn coping strategies, and get over your trauma.
Moreover, reaching out to your family members and your loved ones could be another wise option. Be vocal about your issues and reach out to them as early as possible.
Holistic Healing Practices
Holistic healing practices are an alternative approach to the traditional method of treating injuries. The best part about holistic healing practices is they are good for both physical and emotional healing after single-vehicle accident injuries.
Out of these practices, the one that tops the list is mindfulness and meditation. These are top techniques that can help you with your mental stress, anxiety issues, and pain. Through these practices, you can control your emotions which will help you stay in the moment.
Yoga and tai chi are also another part of these healing practices. They work through a combination of physical movement and mental focus. These gentle exercises can improve your flexibility, strength, and balance while relaxing your mind.
If you are trying to recover from a physical injury after a single-vehicle accident, yoga, and tai chi should be your go-to option. They improve your mobility and reduce physical discomfort
Similarly, nutrition and health go hand in hand. Yes, nutrition also plays an important role in nourishing your body and speeds up the healing process. According to research from NCBI, nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and specific amino acids help heal wounds and improve immunity.
Therefore, you need to consume a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients repair tissues and support your immune system.
The last but important part of this healing process journey is sleep. You need to have a good sleep for both physical and mental recovery. Getting enough sleep helps in healing, and improves your mood and cognitive function, so you can recover faster.
Additionally, you can also look at traditional practices like acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal remedies. These practices may reduce or relieve you from your pain, reduce inflammation, and help you relax.
To sum it up, recovering from a single-vehicle accident requires a holistic approach that will address all three aspects of your injuries. Physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
You can better your healing process and improve your quality of life by focusing on these interrelated elements. Additionally, getting the right kind of professional support is also an important part of your recovery.
A professional will speed up the recovery process and focus on those issues you might not have thought about. Hence, consider, either, therapy, counseling, or other professional support accordingly.
The other most important thing is giving more importance to self-care. Try to build a strong support network, build patience, and be gentle with yourself.