Car and truck accidents in Hollywood and across South Florida happen every year. You may hear about them on the news, or read about them on your social media feed. But what happens when those truck accidents hit closer to home? What can you do if someone you love has been involved in a truck accident and has suffered a severe or life-threatening injury?
In many cases, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may not have known anyone else who has been severely injured and you may worry about saying the wrong thing. You may care about the person who has been injured and you may want to support them, but how can you do that?
According to experts, there are several things you can do:
1) Carefully consider what you’re comfortable with.
Even if a traffic accident has happened to your friend, it still does you. You may feel scared, upset, or frightened. You may picture what would happen to your life if you suffered a severe traffic accident. Carefully consider what you want to do and what makes you feel comfortable. If you feel uncomfortable talking to your friend or offering support, consider why that might be.
2) Go see your friend.
If you can, go see your friend in the hospital or at home to offer support. Even if you are afraid of what you will say or worried about hurting them, just showing up can show your friend that you care.
3) Act natural.
The good news is you don’t have to say or do anything profound. Your friend wants to see you – not an act based on what you think you should be doing. It’s okay to be unsure.
4) Express what you feel.
Your friend has professionals offering medical advice. He or she doesn’t need from you. Express your sympathies and reiterate how much your loved one means to you. Don’t feel you have to stick to a specific script or that you have to say certain things. It’s okay to not know what to say and it’s okay to simply say that you care about your friend and to offer to help in any way possible.
5) Be willing to let your friend take the lead.
It may be easiest – especially if you don’t know what to say – to let your friend or loved one to start off the conversation. They may have a specific set of things they want or need to talk about, or they may just want to sit with you. If you want to help, tell them that you’re available or ask them what you can do.
6) Take care of yourself.
Seeing anyone in pain can be difficult, and that’s especially the case if it is someone you know and care about. Even if you really want to be there for the other person, take care of yourself as well. If you’re having trouble dealing with seeing a friend in pain, find someone to talk to or join a support group. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat a healthy diet. You won’t be helping your loved one by harming your own health.
If your friend needs legal advice after their collision, have them contact Flaxman Law Group. We’d be pleased to offer a free accident consultation to discuss legal options and advice.