Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

Recovering From Long Term Injuries: Dealing with the Aftereffects of a Truck Collision in Homestead

Published on: April 9, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Truck accidents in Homestead and other South Florida communities cause devastating injuries each year. In many cases, due to the size and force of a truck, truck collisions are more likely than car collisions in Homestead to result in long-term and permanent injury. Some of the more serious injuries caused by truck accidents include:

1) Brain injuries. Brain injuries can occur if a passenger in a vehicle strikes their head against the dashboard or other hard surface during the collision. Head injuries can also occur if a passenger is strongly shaken during the collision, which can cause the brain to crash up against the hard skull surface, causing bleeding and bruising to the brain. Brain injuries can result in memory loss, speech problems, vision loss, unconsciousness, and other serious injuries. Head injuries in Homestead and other South Florida cities can easily become fatal or can cause permanent injury, leaving the victim unable to work.

2) Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries after a truck accident can leave someone paralyzed, with greatly reduced mobility, or even with fatal injuries. Spinal cord injuries are extremely expensive to treat, and spinal cord injuries in Homestead and other South Florida cities can cost up to $100,000 in the first year of treatment alone.

3) Burn injuries. Burn injuries can be one of the most difficult injuries to sustain in a traffic accident in Homestead. These injuries can cause muscle damage and mobility issues, and may also leave the victim devastated and unable to return to work. These injuries can also cause extreme pain.

All of these permanent injuries can result in long term financial impact as well as loss of mobility and other skills. The immediate emergency medical care and long-term medical care of these injuries can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars over a lifetime. Patients may require rehabilitation, surgeries, consultations with specialists, and many other types of treatment. The financial impact can be devastating. In addition, most of these injuries will result in loss of wages or even long-term loss of income. Most patients can take months or years to recover from serious injuries after a truck accident. In some cases, patients are unable to return to their jobs because their mobility issues and injuries affect their ability to do their job. In these cases, patients may be either completely unable to work or may be returning to lower paying jobs at the same time as they are facing increased medical bills.

If you have been seriously injured in a truck or car accident in Homestead or another South Florida community, you will want to:

1) Seek professional help. You will want to seek expert medical help to increase the chances that you will recover as fully as possible from your injuries. You also want to consult with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community in order to get professional legal advice to protect your finances and your future.

2) Seek counseling and emotional support. Being in a traffic accident in Homestead can be a devastating experience. Seeking the help of a support group, counselor, or other resources can help you deal with the emotional impact and can help you find the resources you need to heal.

3) Seek compensation. In many cases, the financial impact of a serious accident can last for years. If your accident was caused by someone’s negligence, you have the legal right in Florida to seek compensation to help reduce the financial devastation of your accident.

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Truck Accidents on Construction Sites in Miami and Other Communities

Published on: March 27, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Construction sites are everywhere across South Florida, and in many cases they are a positive sign of economic growth and population expansion. Unfortunately, construction sites can also lead to many workplace accidents in Miami and other communities. Construction sites are also common sites for truck accidents. There many types of traffic accidents that can occur on construction sites:

1) Crane accidents. Crane accidents in Miami are one of the more common types of construction site-related accidents. Cranes can easily tip over, causing severe injury. They can also run over construction workers and employees on the ground work and drop heavy materials onto workers below. Crane accidents are likely to lead to fatalities and permanent injuries.

2) Traffic accidents caused by traffic congestion and poor signage. Inevitably, construction sites often cause traffic congestion and problems. In many cases, traffic needs to be diverted around the construction area or lanes are narrowed as workers complete their construction project. Construction crews are expected to provide proper signs to help pedestrians and motorists navigate the construction site safely. When construction site owners do not adequately warn drivers and this from negligence leads to a car or truck accident in Miami, the victims who have been injured can seek compensation through a legal claim.

3) Back-over accidents. Most construction sites have multiple workers on the ground as well as many types of equipment and trucks. Unfortunately, the combination of pedestrians and truck traffic can be disastrous. If both truck drivers and workers are not cautious, a truck or other piece of heavy equipment can easily back over a worker, causing death or serious injury.

4) Accidents caused by debris. Debris is an inevitable fact of construction sites. Whether construction crews are remodeling an existing structure or building from scratch, various types of debris can be found on the ground, including glass, tools, building materials, nails, and more. Heavy debris can cause truck accidents, equipment accidents, and minor accidents and injuries to construction workers. Construction site owners have an obligation to ensure that proper cleanup occurs on all construction sites to keep workers safe. Employees also have an obligation to wear the right safety equipment (including hard hats, work boots, and other equipment) to stay safe.

If your a construction worker and have been injured on a construction site in Miami, workers compensation in Miami may not cover the full cost of your injuries. If you have been seriously injured, especially, you may face hundreds of thousands of dollars in long-term medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Before you make any decisions in your case, you will want to speak to a personal injury attorney in Miami about all your options.

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What Are The Real Costs of Truck Accidents in Coral Gables and Other Communities?

Published on: March 16, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident in Coral Gables or any Florida community, you will likely file an insurance claim and will get an offer from your insurance company. When evaluating any offer you receive, it is important to consider your total costs. In many cases, insurance carriers want to settle claims as inexpensively and quickly as possible. Once you accept the insurance money, however, you may have a hard time getting further compensation if you realize that your injuries cost more than you realize. Many people who sustain injuries in a truck accident or car accident in Coral Gables or another community do not realize the high costs associated with these types of injuries. These costs can include:

1) Emergency medical care. When traffic accidents in Coral Gables involve a large commercial truck, the results can be devastating. The large size of the truck can create immense damage in a traffic accident and usually results in serious injury and trips to the emergency room. Emergency medical care may be partly covered by your medical insurance.

2) Medical tests. Tests are usually required to evaluate a condition. In some cases, these tests can be quite expensive. MRI tests and medical imaging tests to check for a head injury or soft tissue injury, for example, can cost hundreds of dollars or even over a thousand dollars.

3) Medical devices. You may need neck braces, crutches, and other medical devices as you recover from your injury.

4) Long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Patients who sustain serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or head injuries in Coral Gables and other communities, may take months or years to recover from their injuries and often require rehabilitation as well as long-term care to recover. The costs of long-term care for a serious injury can be very high and in some cases can amount to over a hundred thousand dollars per year or more.

5) “Optional” medical care and treatment. Some insurance carriers classify some treatment as “optional” or even “cosmetic” even when this type of treatment is needed to help you return to your normal tasks. For example, if you have lost some of your teeth in an accident or have suffered burn injuries in a Coral Gables traffic accident, you may need dentures or skin grafts to repair the injuries. Some insurance companies will argue that these treatments are not necessary, however.

6) Medication. After sustaining a serious injury in a traffic accident, you may need medication. For example, you may need to take pain medication or your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you suffer complications during your recovery.

7) Transportation to and from doctors and specialists. If your car has been damaged, you may need to repair the vehicle or have it replaced. You may not even be physically able to drive while you recover. This may mean you need to pay for taxis or rental cars to visit doctors and other professionals who are helping you as you recover.

8) Lost wages. After a serious accident, you may not be able to return to work for months – or even longer. You will need to replace your wages so that you can pay your bills.

9) Counseling. The trauma of a traffic accident may result in serious distress and may you need counseling or other forms of care to help deal with the trauma.

10) Costs associated with making your home or car accessible. If you have been seriously injured, you may need to make changes to your car or home. For example, you may need to install a wheelchair ramp at home or have your car altered so that you can use the car even with your wheelchair. These costs can be quite high.

11) Long-term loss of wages and benefits. If you are permanently injured, you may not be able to return to your regular work. You may need to take on lower-paying work and may lose some of the benefits of higher-paying jobs.

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What To Do If You are in a Truck Accident in Davie or Another South Florida Community

Published on: February 28, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Being involved in a serious truck accident in Davie or your Florida community can be one of the most devastating things that happens to you. It is natural to feel frightened and upset. Due to the size and force of a commercial truck, the injuries and property damage involved with this type of collision are often devastating. The scenes of such accidents are often very difficult for victims to navigate. If you are involved in a commercial truck accident or car accident in Davie or Florida, it is important that you:

1) Get medical attention for yourself and anyone else who is injured. Your first priority after a traffic accident in Davie or anywhere in Florida is to seek help for yourself and for anyone who is seriously injured at the scene of the accident. If the injuries have the potential to be serious, call emergency personnel and avoid moving anyone who may have suffered a serious spinal cord injury or head injury. Moving the victim can make injuries worse. Even if you are fortunate enough to walk away from a serious accident, get follow-up care and a medical checkup soon after the accident. In some cases, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and other potentially serious injuries do not manifest symptoms right away.

2) Exchange information with the truck driver. If you have been in a commercial truck accident, get information about the truck driver, the truck he or she was driving, the registration information of the truck and the driver, and contact information. Exchanging information will ensure that you can locate both the truck and the driver later on if you decide to pursue a claim.

3) Speak with your insurance company. You will generally need to file a claim with your insurance company quickly after being in your accident. Your insurance company will want to settle claims quickly, and filing promptly is important.

4) Contact a personal injury attorney in Davie or your community. Even if you have car insurance that you believe will cover some of your costs after your accident, is important to speak with a personal injury attorney in Davie or your community. Commercial truck accidents often have multiple liable parties and are often legally quite complex. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options. In many cases, a personal injury attorney can also negotiate with insurance carriers so that you get the fairest compensation possible for your injuries.

5) Decide what to do. Keep in mind that once you decide to accept an insurance amount or another offer, you may be limiting or eliminating your options for filing a legal claim down the line. In some cases, you may find that your total medical bills and lost income are significantly larger than you initially thought. For all these reasons, it is important to consider carefully and to get legal advice before you make any final decisions. You do not want to be paying tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for medical expenses and lost income. Getting quality legal advice can help ensure that this does not happen to you.

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Who Causes Most Truck Accidents in Miami and Other Florida Cities?

Published on: February 19, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to 2006 research by from the U.S. Department of Transportation, most truck accidents are caused by car drivers, not truck drivers. According to the study, truck drivers are the at-fault drivers in 36% of collisions while car drivers are at fault in 64% of accidents. A study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute concluded that cars and light vehicles were in fact at fault in up to 81% of collisions. According to researchers, the biggest mistakes motorists made included:

1) Treating trucks like cars. Many motorists in Florida treat commercial trucks just like any other car on the road – and this attitude can lead to car accidents in Miami and other communities. The reality is, commercial trucks are more apt to make stops. They also take longer to stop and to get up to speed, so they require more room on the road.

2) Speeding. When motorists speed, they can easily cause a traffic accident in Miami or their community. Commercial trucks take longer to come to a complete stop when compared with a passenger vehicle. When a motorist speeds around a commercial truck and drive recklessly, the truck driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Driving around commercial trucks requires more caution and care.

3) Not staying in a lane. Weaving in and out between trucks is very dangerous, not only because trucks cannot stop as easily, but also because trucks have multiple blind spots they may not see motorists creeping up behind them to pass.

4) Improper following. Tailgating motorists cause many truck accidents in Miami and South Florida each year. Truck drivers cannot see cars immediately behind them, so they may inadvertently back up into any vehicle tailing too closely. In addition, trucks sometimes roll back slightly when coming to a complete stop – especially on a steep incline or hill. If a car is too close to the truck, it may be struck.

5) Distracted driving. Truck drivers are forbidden by federal regulations from texting and driving. However, there is currently no similar ban in place for motorists driving passenger vehicles. As a result, many car accidents are caused by cell phones and other forms of distraction.

6) Not understanding squeeze play. When trucks turn, they often swing wide. If car drivers are not cautious and provide trucks with extra room, they may get caught between the truck and the curb on a turn, a situation which can easily lead to the smaller vehicle being crushed.

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Choosing a Truck Accident Attorney in Miami or in Your South Florida Community

Published on: January 15, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a traffic accident in Miami or in any South Florida community and you have been seriously injured, you will likely want to speak with a local personal injury attorney. Any accident involving a commercial truck, especially, tends to be complex. There will be many legal terms used in your case and you may have questions about insurance offers, paperwork, and other issues. When considering attorneys, there are many things you will want to look for:

1) Look for an attorney who is an expert in the field. The most important thing is to find an attorney with plenty of experience in cases similar to yours. Truck accidents in Miami and other South Florida communities are different than other personal injury claims. An attorney familiar with truck accident cases has likely worked with accident reconstruction experts, expert witnesses, and others who can help in this type of case. A personal injury attorney in Miami who has experience with truck accidents is also familiar with the laws and resources in this type of case.

2) Look for an attorney with experience in the courtroom and with negotiations. You want an attorney who is familiar with local courts, but since many truck accident cases in Miami and South Florida are settled out of court, you also want someone who is adept as a negotiator. Someone who understands the insurance system and can speak on your behalf with your insurance carrier is just as important as an attorney who is a professional in front of a judge.

3) Speak with an attorney (or a few) before you decide to work with one. This gives you a chance to seek the attorney’s opinion about your case and gives you a chance to ask questions.

4) Ask questions about past cases. Look for a personal injury attorney in Miami or your Florida community with proven success in truck accident cases.

5) Look for a legal professional who makes you comfortable. If you will be working with an attorney, it is important that you feel comfortable with him or her and trust them. Changing attorneys once you have filed a legal claim is complicated, so it is best to hire the right attorney for you right away.

6) Consider a consultation even if you are not sure you want to pursue legal action. Many accident survivors assume that they do not need an attorney if they don’t plan to sue. This is not true. After an accident, an attorney can do much more than help you file a claim. An attorney can investigate your accident, help you understand the likely costs of your injuries, can help you understand your rights, and can help negotiate with your insurance provider. The decisions you make after your accident can affect you and your finances for years to come, so it makes sense to at least get a professional legal opinion about your situation.

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Staying Organized After a Miami Lakes Truck Accident

Published on: December 18, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been seriously injured in a Miami Lakes truck accident or have lost someone in a traffic accident, getting organized may be the last thing on your mind. However, after a serious Miami Lakes traffic accident, you will likely be given a barrage of information and will need to keep track of a number of legal and medical processes. Staying organized is essential to ensuring that you get everything done. Keeping organized is also important since you may be upset and grieving, and therefore keeping track of all the information coming your way may be harder than ever. There are a few things that you can do to make the process easier:

1) Create a list of phone numbers you need to call and create a phone log of who you have spoken to and when. You will likely need to phone a number of people after your accident. If you have been in a Miami Lakes car accident involving a commercial truck, you may need to contact a Miami Lakes personal injury attorney, for example, specialists, doctors, your insurance company, a support group, and many other people. Keep a list of all the information and all the phone numbers that you will likely need. Also, keep a notebook by the phone so that you can keep tabs of who calls when and what you discussed.

2) Create a file related to all your accident-related information. One file can contain your insurance policy information, insurance claims, any paperwork from your attorney, any copies of police report and medical files, and any other information that you need related to your case. This way, if your insurance company or attorney requires any information, it is handily in one location.

3) Evaluate your expenses and create a budget. A serious Miami Lakes truck accident that results in injuries or death usually results in financial distress as well. You may require expensive medical care and you may also lose income because you are unable to work. In order to survive financially, it is important to have a budget and to evaluate your assets as well as the expenses coming your way. You also want to keep a list of everything that you are spending that is related to your accident. You want to keep receipts for any medical devices you need, for example, as well as any medical expenses and transportation expenses. This way, your Miami Lakes personal injury attorney can pursue compensation for these costs.

4) Collect the papers you need. This may include medical papers, death certificates, insurance policies, military discharge papers, wills, list of assets, and other documents. You will likely be asked for these papers at some point.

5) Make a list of everything you need to do after your accident and write it in a planner or use your mobile device calendar or planner feature to create reminders. It is easy to lose track of appointments and things to do when you’re distressed. Keeping a list of everything and using an online calendar to remind you of appointments ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.

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How to Heal Emotionally After a Miami Beach Trucking Accident

Published on: December 6, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been seriously injured in a Miami Beach truck accident or have recently lost someone in a Miami Beach traffic accident, you may be experiencing physical symptoms, financial distress, as well as emotional trauma. Many accident survivors experience great upheaval in their lives, including emotional upheaval. If this is true for you, there are several things you can do:

1) Get professional help. If you are experiencing grief, anger, depression, and other forms of emotional upset which are preventing you from leading a normal life, it is a good idea to get professional help. There are counseling options available as well as support groups and other forms of help. Your regular physician can help direct you to the options available to you.

2) Be aware of troubling symptoms. While everyone who survives a serious Miami Beach car accident or truck accident goes through some form of emotional upheaval, you’ll want to be aware of troubling symptoms which indicate that you need prompt help. For example, if you have thoughts of harming yourself or are depressed after the incident, you will likely want to speak to your regular doctor about these symptoms. Similarly, if you have intense emotional responses to memories of the accident or if you are having trouble resuming your life weeks after the accident, you may need counseling or another form of help in order to get back on track.

3) Take care of yourself physically and mentally. A Miami Beach truck collision and the resulting injuries are traumatic. This is not a time to punish yourself further – it’s a time to take care of yourself mentally and physically. That may mean surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family. It also means eating well, exercising, and visiting the doctor in order to make sure that you are physically as fit as possible.

4) Get answers about the accident. After a serious accident or injury, it is normal to have questions about how the accident occurred. Many survivors find that they are better able to heal and resume their lives if they have answers about what has happened. You can speak with a Miami Beach personal injury attorney in order to get assistance with getting answers about your accident. An attorney can investigate the accident for you and can even pursue a legal claim or compensation for you so that you have money for counseling, medical care, and other expenses related to your accident.

5) Write about your experiences or use another form of self-expression. Keeping a journal or using art or photography can be very helpful in healing after the trauma the serious accident. Talking about your experiences with others can also be helpful.

6) Commemorate your loved one if you have lost someone in the accident. This will allow you to heal and get some closure.

7) Be sensitive about the fact that others may grieve differently. Your friends and family will likely be grieving too. Staying sensitive to how others grieve is important in providing everyone with the support they need.

8 ) Beware of “trigger events.” Birthdays, anniversaries of the accident, and passing the street corner where the accident occurred may all be trigger events that stir up strong emotional reactions. Be aware of what your trigger events may be and prepare yourself in advance so that they do not sneak up on you.

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Dealing With Greif After a Miami Gardens Truck Accident

Published on: December 4, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Losing a loved one in a Miami Gardens trucking accident or sustaining a serious injury in an accident can result in months or even years of grief and recovery. The impact of a serious Miami Gardens traffic accident can be far-reaching and can include:

1) Physical symptoms. The first six to twelve months after losing a loved one in a Miami Gardens car accident or truck accident can include many physical symptoms. The same is true if you yourself have been injured seriously in a traffic accident. The physical symptoms vary widely from person to person but may include insomnia, tension headaches, and other symptoms. Some survivors find themselves more prone to accidents because they are distracted by grief or more prone to physical illness since stress and grief can wear down the immune system. If you have any physical symptoms, it is important to speak with a doctor about them to get the appropriate help.

2) Recovery from injury. If you have been injured in a Miami Gardens truck collision, you may have to endure pain as well as prolonged medical treatment in order to regain mobility and resume your daily life. If you have also lost a loved one in the same accident that injured you, it may be difficult to focus on healing when you are also grieving.

3) Emotional symptoms. Symptoms such as denial, anger, fear, guilt, and depression are common after a serious car accident. They may affect your ability to complete everyday tasks or even work. If you are having trouble emotionally after an accident, it is important to seek counseling or help. In some cases, these symptoms may not go away by themselves and may require medical intervention.

4) Financial impact. The financial impact of a Miami Gardens truck crash can be immense. If you have lost a loved one, the final medical expenses and memorial expenses may add up to tens of thousands of dollars or even more. If you have been seriously or permanently injured, you may face hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more in medical bills. In addition, you may lose income if you cannot work after the accident and you may need to repair or replace the car and property damaged in the accident. In some cases, survivors find that they face bankruptcy due to the cost of their injuries. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced Miami Gardens personal injury attorney if you have sustained a loss or injury in a traffic accident. An attorney can tell you whether you are qualified for compensation due to your accident.

5) Stress disorders. Some survivors of Miami Gardens traffic accidents may experience Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), serious illnesses that can mean depression, flashbacks, and other symptoms for sufferers. PTSD and ASD are both treatable, but both require medical help.

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Resources That Can Help You if You Have Been in a Hallandale Beach Truck Accident

Published on: November 1, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you have been in a Hallandale Beach truck accident, your injuries may be severe and you may face a lifetime or many months of recovery. Whether you sustain burn injuries, Hallandale Beach head injuries, fractures, spinal cord trauma, or other injuries, you may face financial challenges, pain, lost work time, and many other challenges. As you begin to recover from your injuries, it is important that you have resources on hand to help you through the process. There are many places you can turn if you have been seriously injured in a Hallandale Beach traffic accident:

1) Your doctor. If you have been seriously injured in a Hallandale Beach car accident or truck accident, you will likely be rushed to an emergency room and get an initial evaluation from an emergency room physician. You may also get referrals to specialists for follow-up treatment. Eventually, however, you will want to visit your regular doctor, who can also provide you with additional information about your condition and can provide care based on your medical history as well as your current injuries. In fact, even if you are fortunate and your Hallandale Beach truck accident does not require you to visit the emergency room, you may wish to visit your doctor for a check-up to ensure that there are no injuries. Some injuries – including head injuries and soft tissue injuries – may not present symptoms right away but still require prompt treatment.

2) Your pharmacist. Your pharmacist may be an important resource for you after your accident. If you are given medication after your injury, your pharmacist can ensure that your medication will not interact with other medication you are taking. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend over-the-counter painkillers as well as other products that can help you as you recover from your accident.

3) Your insurance company. Insurance companies become involved soon after an accident and may make a claim offer to cover your medical costs, car damage, and other expenses related to your Halladale Beach truck accident. When speaking with insurance companies, however, keep in mind that these businesses typically wish to settle claims quickly and inexpensively. If an insurance company makes you an offer, you may wish to have a legal professional look the offer over and you may wish to learn more about how much your case could be worth.

4) A personal injury attorney. Contacting a Hallandale Beach personal injury attorney after your accident can be important. An attorney can do several things. They can help you understand your rights and options and can help you find other resources as you start to recover from your injuries. Attorneys can also investigate the accident and can find all liable parties. Of course, they can also pursue compensation on your behalf and can also review offers made by insurance companies. Basically, attorneys represent you and ensure that your interests are protected. Your initial consultation with a Hallandale Beach personal injury attorney may be free, so you may wish to at least speak with an attorney to find out what any attorney can do in your case.

5) Your elected representative. If your accident was caused by poor road conditions or flawed laws, speaking out against these problems can be an important part of the healing process. You may wish to write to your elected representative to ask for changes to ensure that others are not injured the way you are.

6) Social media and the Internet. There are many online resources, including support groups, available for people who are suffering from specific types of injuries. If you have sustained a burn injury, for example, it can be helpful to speak with others who have dealt with a similar injury and have recovered.

7) Support groups. Support groups as well as friends and family provide an important source of emotional support after your accident. After a serious trauma such as a traffic collision it is normal to be frightened, upset, and anxious. Speaking with others can help.

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