Many people are unaware of the mental effects of a car accident — until it becomes clear that things are not the same as they were before the wreck. Victims of careless drivers can suffer from innumerable forms of harm. The way an accident can affect their emotional health is not often talked about or acknowledged by victims. Personal injury law, though, certainly acknowledges it and gives it a name — pain and suffering. Read on to find out how victims can get a handle on this issue and increase the likelihood that they will be paid for their damages.

What to Know About Pain and Suffering

This term sounds appropriate to those suffering from the effects of car accidents on injuries. As if being badly hurt was not enough, victims can feel miserable because of the overall way the accident has affected them. When a person is injured, it doesn't end when they recover from the physical injuries. That is only part of the solution. To make a person "whole," personal injury law must also address the common symptoms of someone suffering from anxiety, depression, eating problems, sleeping difficulties, and more. Accident victims should know that they are entitled to be paid for not only their pain and suffering but coverage for professional mental help.

Why Use a Journal?

Even those not dealing with a life-altering issue like a car accident with injuries can benefit from using a journal. Journals allow victims a release by providing a tool. This tool should be used regularly for it to work. Try to write in your journal every day — even on good days. Only by becoming aware of your negative and self-defeating thoughts can you begin to heal from the inside out.

How to Use a Pain Journal

You are free to write about whatever you want, but here are a few suggestions:

• How it feels when you cannot take part in the activities of daily living. That means things like dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, etc. The loss of control over these things that many take for granted can be devastating, even if it's temporary.
• How it feels when you have to disappoint a family member or friend who was counting on you. In most cases, young children and the very old may not fully understand why you are not able to attend to normal activities.
• The pain you experience with movements like walking, standing, getting in and out of bed, etc.
• The anxiety you feel about getting back behind the wheel again.
• The problems coping with the side effects of medications prescribed due to the accident.

When you write in your journal, you are also creating a record of your pain and suffering. Your personal injury lawyer can use that as evidence of your damages. Speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out more about what you are entitled to because of that careless driver.