Hit and run crash. Can't sleep.

[AshLeeA]

Hi guys,

I was driving to work on the 15th of May this year when I was T-boned at an intersection by an oncoming car that ran a red light. I then hit a light pole.

I'm lucky that it was my passenger side that was hit and I'm even luckier that I only sustained whiplash and a dislocated hip.

The last few nights I have not been able to sleep. I'm averaging about 3 hours. Every time I close my eyes, I can hear the sound of the car getting hit. I can remember the 3 or so seconds between the car getting hit and my car hitting the pole being eerily quiet and now I can't be alone.

The car was stolen and the perpetrators fled the scene. I'm scared that they are walking around, I don't know who they are, they could be people I see at the local shops or a school mum. I just don't know. I don't trust anybody. I can't. I'm so paranoid.

I can't be alone with my thoughts. I can't sleep. I am too scared to be in a car. I'm sure I'm going to lose my job now.

I don't know what to do...

[quirkywords]

AshLeeA

Welocme to the forum.

I am so sorry you had to experience that accident and I can understand how unsettling it would be.

Is there anyone you can talk to about how you are feeling, would you be able to see a counsellor.? Could you talk to your family doctor?

Quirky

[Comforteater]

I’m sorry to hear this happened to you.

You have made a great decision to share this and tell someone how you’re feeling.

[Croix]

Dear AshLeeA~

Welcome here to the Forum, you have undergone a truly horrible experience, sustained injuries, no doubt have hassles about your car being wrecked, but worst of all are trying to come to terms with it all in your mind.

It is under 3 weeks since all this happened and the physical and mental trauma involved is substantial. Your hip can be returned to its correct position and hopefully will heal well. The whiplash, with treatment may subside. These are things which one naturally goes to the doctor for.

May I suggest that you also go and see your GP as soon as possible and ask for the specialist treatment that mental trauma requires. This may be difficult if you do not have transport or someone to drive you but really it is very important.

Fear, apprehension, worrying about the persons involved, not being able to be alone and re-living those moments are all frightening and new. The fact that are starting now, well after the crash leaves one at a loss, wondering what is happening and fearful that they will remain.

They do need to be addressed now before they have time to become a pattern. And specialist mental help is the way to go. With the proper guidance these things, including reliving the incident, can brought back into proportion.

In the meantime do you think a medical certificate would be sufficient to secure your job?

Quite apart from all the medical support do you have anyone in your life you can lean on at the moment? It could be a family member, a partner or a friend? Trying to face this all alone is very difficult.

Please tell us how you are going, we do care

Croix

[Quercus]

Hi AshLeeA,

I'm not sure how it works in other states but here in WA there is an organisation to support victims of road trauma.

https://www.rtswa.org.au

I thought perhaps you could contact them and ask if they know of any similar organisations in your area. Or if they offer support in WA only or can help.

I heard of them a while ago after looking at the WA Police website. Police websites often have excellent lists of the organisations available and the type of support they offer.

Maybe you can ask for information about support from police in your state especially seeing as it was a hit and run. I hope you find the support you need to feel ok again in time. Until then we are all listening and care.

Nat