What do you do after a car accident?

Being in a car accident can be a very stressful situation. Not only can it affect your physical health, but it can also have a profound negative impact on a psychological level. Reaching out to appropriate resources and getting the help you needed can make a big difference in your recovery.

Here is what you need to do after a car accident.

Dealing with the aftermath

As long as your vehicle is insured by ICBC, you can report the accident and file a claim with ICBC online or by phone at 1-800-910-4222. You can refer to the ICBC website on what documents and information you need to prepare before submitting the claim.

Other than reaching out to your physician as soon as possible to detect any overlooked injuries, with ICBC, you can also receive coverage from working with health care practitioners to help with your recovery. If you don't have a family doctor, check out Medimap to visit a near by walk in clinic.

For the first 12 weeks of the date of the accident causing the injury, you can get treatment from the following health care practitioners:

(source: ICBC)

When do you see a counsellor?

After an accident, it is not uncommon to experience overwhelming feelings after a car accident. You might experience the emotions of shock, anxiety, or depression. For some people, those stressful emotions go away in a short period. However, for some, those feelings stay and become a concern. If they left unchecked, those intense feelings can turn into severe mental health problems and create a lifelong impact. It is crucial for you to recognize the signs and seek professional help with a counsellor as soon as possible.

Some of the physical and psychological symptoms indicating that you are in stress include:

• Headache

• Difficulty breathing

• Racing Heartbeat

• Muscle tension, aches, pains

• Insomnia

• Nightmares

• Flashback

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

• Hypervigilance

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Low energy

• Guilt

• Panic attack

How can counselling be a help?

At Nuway Counselling, we offer counselling services for clients recovering from the aftermath of car accidents. We have experiences working with ICBC cases of trauma, depression, anxiety and panic disorder. We provide a safe space for you to process the impact of the car accident and work with you to develop coping strategies to help you to deal with trauma response, fear, panic, anxiety and flashbacks. When you are ready, we are here to help you get through the aftermath and walk with you on your healing journey. Book with us now!