While some car accidents are minor and fall into the fender-bender category, others can be absolutely catastrophic. For example, an accident with a large commercial truck in Bremen can end in paralysis for the victim in the passenger vehicle. When an individual suffers such a life-changing injury, the aftermath can present unique challenges, not only for the victim, but for friends and family members as well. The coping process that the victim goes through is often very close to the same process that people go through when a loved one dies.
Understanding the various stages of coping can help you relate and react to a loved one who has suffered a great physical loss due to an accident. Read further to find out more about the coping stages that often accompany a traumatic injury.
Denial and anger
The first and second stages may begin while your loved one is still in hospital. You can expect the victim to suffer from bouts of anger, depression, confusion, shock, disbelief and various other emotions during this time. You may also witness your loved one reacting to even simple things with higher levels of aggression or anxiety. Some individuals might completely shut down and refuse to accept their new set of circumstances.
Bargaining
The next stage is bargaining. During this stage, your loved one may exhibit desperation. For example, the individual might express a desire to do any- and everything to get his or her old life back. Unfortunately, for some cases, such as paralysis, there is actually nothing the victim can do to fully regain total control of the body.
Depression
This stage generally starts to appear when the victim realizes that there is no possible to return to the time before the accident. Your loved one might begin to feel a sense of worthlessness, guilt or other symptoms of depression. During this time, it is absolutely vital that friends and family provide love and support.
Acceptance
The final coping stage is acceptance. This stage is truly the beginning of what is often a long and hard road toward moving forward and past the incident. It is at this point that your loved one will begin looking toward the future and what possibilities are still available.
If your loved one has suffered a traumatic injury due to the negligence of the other driver, it is important to take steps to protect this person’s rights and options. You may be able to help your loved one file a legal claim and fight for the compensation he or she deserves.
