The importance of being mentally ‘back in the saddle.’
Psychological after-effects of being involved in a road traffic accident as a cyclist can take many forms; heightened irritability, avoidance of cycling outdoors, avoidance of using particular junctions or types of roads, low mood, lack of motivation, frustration with one’s physical injuries or time out from regular fitness – symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Symptoms may not even become apparent until the injured party has attempted to ride again outdoors for example, which could be many months post-accident in some cases.
The psychological impact of an accident can often come to the surface later than the physical impact, or be pushed to the sideline by the injured party whilst attention focuses on the physical recovery.
A common misconception surrounding psychological impact following a road traffic incident is that everything surrounds traumatic flashbacks, nightmares, or not being able to face being back out on the road. Whilst many injured persons do experience these symptoms, quite often the injured party’s psychological symptoms can be nothing to do with ‘re-experiencing’ or fear of further injury, but an inability to adapt to a new, often lesser, standard of fitness, or cope with the effect of pain post-accident for example. Addressing these types of symptoms is just as important as addressing the more commonly known symptoms.
Generally, there is no correlation between how physically injured a cyclist has been and the magnitude of their psychological injury. One may have suffered a few scratches and scrapes but found themselves later unable to get back on the road. One may have suffered life changing injuries and feel psychologically unaffected. The latter is common where somebody has been seriously injured, often involving a loss of consciousness, where one has no or little memory of the accident in question and therefore no recollection of a traumatic incident living in their mind.
However the psychological symptoms present themselves following an accident, and whatever their magnitude may be, it is imperative that they are acknowledged, and assistance is sought. Should the symptoms warrant additional damages being paid in any personal injury claim, it is important these details are included, promptly. The injured party being able to have open and honest discussion with their representative regarding any such symptoms is of great importance. Absent attention to the mental recovery, it is often not possible for the physical recovery to reach its full potential.
DC Legal has links to both excellent reporting psychologists and psychiatrists and treating therapists with expertise working with injured cyclists. We approach each case sensitively with open discussion, and tailor reporting and recovery plans on a case-by-case basis.