Recovering from a motor vehicle accident involving a semi-truck can take months. The injuries involving being hit by a truck can be more severe than being hit by another car because of the truck’s size and weight.
If you’ve been in an accident involving a truck, you can aid in your recovery by using these tips.
Rest After Surgery
If your injuries require surgery, you need to go home and rest after being released from the hospital. The consequences of trying to push yourself too far too fast can add several months to your recovery and lead to chronic conditions. Follow your doctor’s advice and allow yourself to heal.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation within the body can delay recovery, but you can reduce inflammation by drinking at least six cups of water every day, take electrolytes, and place ice packs on your body. The water will not only keep you hydrated, but it can eliminate waste products in your body through urination.
Taking electrolytes, such as vitamin C and potassium, can help your body recover as well. They help with tissue repair and reduce inflammation, which can damage tissue. Either drink a low-sugar sports drink or buy electrolyte powder to mix with water.
Placing an ice packet on the back of the neck may not only reduce inflammation, but it can also help with pain control. Using an elastic bandage to keep the ice pack in place adds some compression, and also helps with pain.
Walk Every Day
When you feel better, start taking short walks to help your recovery. The gentle movements will help your body stay limber and increase your stamina. If you have some neurological damage from the accident, go to physical therapy to allow them to you.
Supervision by a physical therapist can prevent falls that can cause setbacks in your recovery. Make sure to get the okay to start walking from your doctor or a physical therapist. Gentle stretches can help in your recovery as well.
Hire an Attorney
Dealing with insurance and financial matters can be stressful while you’re recovering, and the other party’s insurance company will probably push you to take a settlement. To reduce stress and help you get the compensation that you’re entitled to, hire an attorney.
However, don’t hire just any personal injury attorney, but hire a truck accident specialist. There could be multiple defendants liable for your accident, and an attorney like Jimmy Doan, who is a Houston trucking accident attorney, will have the experience needed to handle your case.
Take Hot Baths
While recovering from your accident, soak in a hot bathtub or Jacuzzi to help relieve aches and pains. Hydrotherapy can aid in your recovery, but don’t soak in water that is too hot as it can cause your nervous system to be too active and keep the bath from reducing pain.
Soak in water that is shy of being piping hot to help your muscles relax. Along with pain, soaking in a hot bath can reduce anxiety, depression, and it helps some people sleep better.
There are many things you can do to aid in your recovery after a motor vehicle accident. The most important way to help yourself is to follow your doctor’s orders and allow your body to heal before going back to your normal routine.
