After a car crash?

Question

How long does it take to feel safe in a car again!?

Was involved in a pretty nasty car crash a couple of weeks ago. Cars were written off, still feeling mighty sore too. Thing is I've been out in the courtesy car a couple of times and get sooooooo stressed out, like seriously stressed. Does this anxiety go away??

Answer 1

I don't know that  you ever will.

Years ago a boy rode his bike into the road in front of me. I was not even doing the speed limit (my speed was 25 MPH or less in a zone posted at 35 MPH). He suffered a broken leg and a totaled bike.

I still get uneasy around residential areas and even more so when I see kids on bikes.

That was over 30 years ago.

I just don't let it keep me from driving.

Answer 2

Yes, and no.  You get over it, but it will make you more aware, and more conscious of other drivers, and it will modify your driving habits, I know, I've been in two serious smashes where my cars were written off. (both caused by the other drivers carelessness, both were males, I'd point out!)

You will still feel a little uneasy, if you have to drive past the accident spot, and that will take years.  However, in terms of your normal day to day driving, you'll find things getting back to normal in a matter of weeks, once you've sorted out the insurance, and become accustomed to your new car.

If  the other driver was to blame, then I'd recommend pursuing a claim for personal injuries. It doesn't undo the event, and it won't stop you feeling anxious, but it will make you feel that the other driver didn't 'get away with it'.

Answer 3

Quit dwelling on it and it will soon pass.

Answer 4

Oh God........I know just what you're going through. I was driving and was distracted by the passenger. Crunched into 4 stationary cars. Wrote the car off completely.

happily no one was injured, and in fact i was praised that I remained so calm...... Anyway back to my point. Few days later i thought I should get behind the wheel again, total panic.  couldnt drive again for months. Until ......... my friend suggested I go back to my old driving instructor..........

He gave me the self confidence to get behind the wheel, and trust his judgement that I was an Ok driver....

Now I drive without any issue.......  Suggest you do the same.

IT DOES WORK

Answer 5

car crashes effect different people in different ways, l had a head on collision through no fault of my own, l felt unsecure in a small vehicle for ages, and needed the security of being in a big vehicle,which cost extra to run and insure tax etc. the feeling will pass but there's no time limit as  like l said it effects people in all different ways, and people have different reaction times.

Answer 6

Hi sweetie firstly im glad you  are ok ay and as you say the bruises heal but its the anxiety side thats worrying , i was involved in car crash some 8 yrs ago now , and i did recover well enough to drive again, but i find i am a bit overcautious still, it takes time to recover and you will feel better one day but you are doing the right thing by still going out in the car , the anxiety does become less and less each day i promise, its just a case of confidence building again and you will x