Chick Pritchard, Director of Communications
Once upon another time, I was almost killed in a car crash. I will never call my experience an “accident”. Another driver decided to drive too fast for the weather conditions on a rainy, wet afternoon. As a result of that decision, his large truck slid from his oncoming lane, into my car and almost killed me. I learned a lot from that experience… here are some of my insights.
I learned a lot from that experience; here are some of my insights.
Do Not Give Up
You may face surgery, months of pain and physical therapy. Some days it will seem so much easier to just say, “I hurt too much!” Please do not give in to self-pity. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get back to your “former self.” I know…I wanted to give up, too.
2. Do Not Give In
Continue treating, even when you don’t feel like it or it’s inconvenient. “MMI” means maximum medical improvement and that should be your goal. Keep all your medical appointments, even in pain or when you are discouraged. I know… I wanted to give in, too.
3. Do Not Isolate Yourself
We all need one another and when we have been injured, we really need to reach out to family and friends. You cannot go through the experience of personal injury alone. I know… I wanted to isolate myself, too.
4. Do Not Be a Stranger
Communicate with the professionals. The doctors will keep you informed of your medical progress and attorneys will keep you updated regarding your case. You also have to keep them informed of how you are doing and how you are feeling. Keep a diary, so you can be accurate and be able to share. I know… I wanted to stop the regular calls to professionals, too.
5. Do Not Look Back
There is nothing you can do about what happened to you. Concentrate on the present tense. Each moment is precious, so make the most of it. Your injury is a chapter in your life, not the whole book. Have hope about tomorrow and decide to smile. I know… I shed a lot of tears, too.
– Chick Pritchard, Director of Communications
