Helping The Kids To Cope With A Car Crash
In 2016, 723 children died in traffic collisions, but 128,000 were injured. If you are driving safely and have securely fastened your child with a seatbelt or child seat, then the chances of a fatality are low. However, if you are involved in an accident, then the emotional effects on a small child can be significant. Even as they recover from any physical harm caused, they may need extra emotional support to recover mentally from the incident.
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Offer Emotional Treatment and Support
Once a road accident has occurred, talk to your child and get an understanding of how they feel. They may have become more quiet or withdrawn or be showing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Encourage them to continue life as normal and make sure that they keep participating in activities. If there is noticeable behavior change which lasts more than a couple of weeks, consider hiring a therapist.
Pursue Legal Compensation
A Gilbert personal injury attorney who specializes in road collisions, recommends that parents seek the compensation they are entitled to. As an adult, this financial reward can ease some of the distress caused. It will also make life easier for the children involved. The only thing to remember is to limit sources of external stress by keeping your child shielded from much of the legal process. In the long run, compensation will benefit everyone, but make sure your child is aware that as long as the family is alive and well, then there is nothing that they need to worry about.
Give them Time and Talk Often
Studies suggest that most children recover quickly from a traffic accident. However, it is important to stay regularly updated. Have a long discussion every couple of months to talk through any issues they may have. Even if you have all but forgotten that a crash occurred, it could still be playing on the mind of your little one. Given enough time, though, they should recover completely and return to their normal selves.
A traffic accident is an unpleasant experience for anyone, but the emotional effects on a child can be long lasting. Be there to offer emotional support in the following days and weeks, keeping track of any behavioral changes. A therapist can provide extra treatment if required. Remember the importance of seeking legal compensation so that you and your family can return to your normal life as quickly as possible.