Car accident worry

[Wellifyouresurebetterbegryffindor]

Hi was in a car accident 4 days ago. I was driving along the road and they pulled out of a side road and hit me. They said they never saw me.

Physically I only suffered minor injuries but mentally I feel a mess. My car is likely to be written off. I've been drinking every night since i got home from the accident (usually drink about 4 units a week). I can't stop worrying about insurance, the cost of everything, my car being a write off. Drinking makes the time pass faster.

My DH asked DD what she would like for Xmas and she said she would be grateful for anything. She's so lovely. I can't get my head around that fact that she could have been in the car and taken from me because someone didn't look properly.

DDog was in the car. He's fine. I have a courtesy car but DDog isn't allowed in it. This makes me sad as we loved our walks. Im too scared to drive courtesy car anyway. I have no idea why this is affecting me so much.

I have work tomorrow and I just feel so sad and worried and stressed. I have had nightmares and intrusive thoughts. How can I get back to normal? I'm so ashamed but can't seem to stop feeling like this.

You’ve had a shock, it’s only natural you feel this way. DS was in the car when ours was T-boned and we felt as you do. It will pass, but will take time for the feelings to fade. The alcohol won’t help as that causes anxiety so magnifies all your feelings, maybe try a few days alcohol free but, if the anxiety continues, do go and speak to the Dr.
I hope the feelings ease for you soon.

Hi. The exact same happened to us a couple of weeks ago. Someone ran into us, came out of a side road claimed he didn't see us. Our car written off too. Our daughter was in the car and luckily my husband swerved otherwise the impact would have been at her side.

All I would say is give yourself time. I still feel anxious when out in the car but it is improving.

We were really stressed at first but we focused on the fact that we were all ok and could have been much worse. The insurance were quick to resolve the payout and we are picking our new car up on Friday.

It's very frustrating that we have had to use a large chunk of our savings to buy a new car as second hand car prices have gone through the roof.

All I would say is make sure that you look at prices of similar cars to your damaged car so you can make sure you get a fair price from the insurance company.

Take care of yourself , hope you are feeling better soon. What you are feeling is valid.

This happened to me too, and it's taken while to get back to normal. I'm more anxious now than before the accident. I think you do need to flight through the fear and find some mental strength to drive again - just start on familiar roads and short journeys and build it up. I think mine was also due to perimenopause of which driving anxiety is listed. Give you self a few days and get back out there x

Thank you both for your kindness. Logically I know drinking won't help but it was just a feeling I needed some. Very odd and I'll try not too tomorrow. I've struggled just sitting here with my thoughts but equally I don't want to do anything.

I have such a headache and all the fireworks aren't helping.