In 2021, there were 523,796 large truck accidents, compared to 415,444 in 2020. Thankfully, most only resulted in property damage, but even so, 101k led to injuries, and 4,444 were fatal.
715 children were killed while traveling as passengers in motor vehicles in 2021, and it’s likely that at least some of those accidents involved a truck. Experiencing a truck accident can be frightening and traumatic, especially for children. As a parent, you play a critical role in helping your kids process their emotions and find healthy ways to cope after an accident. Here are some tips for supporting your children during this difficult time.
Listen and Validate Their Feelings
After a truck accident, your children may feel scared, sad, angry, or confused. The most important thing is to create a safe space for them to open up.
Listen attentively as they describe the incident and how it made them feel. Avoid judgment and validate their emotions by saying things like “It’s understandable that you felt scared. That must have been really hard.” Let them know all feelings are okay.
Answer Questions Honestly
Your kids will likely have lots of questions after a truck accident. Answer them honestly but avoid graphic details. Use simple, direct language appropriate for their age. If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it. Offer reassurance by emphasizing how rare serious truck accidents are and highlighting safety measures like seatbelts and car seats that protect them.
Help Them Feel Secure
The world can seem uncertain after an accident. Help reestablish a sense of safety and security. Be patient with clinginess and stick close to home for a few days. Maintain normal routines like bedtime, meal times, and play dates. Avoid separating from your child unless necessary. Physical affection and verbal reassurance can provide comfort too.
Encourage Them to Express Themselves
Provide creative outlets for your kids to process the accident. Young children may benefit from drawing pictures or playing with toy cars and trucks. Older kids can write stories or poems about the incident. Other options include listening to music, doing a craft project together, or engaging in physical activity like sports. Don’t force them to open up, but make these activities available.
Watch for Signs of Trauma
In some cases, a child may develop post-traumatic symptoms after an accident. Up to 15% of girls and 6% of boys will go on to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. Signs can include trouble sleeping, recurring frightening thoughts or dreams about the crash, avoiding cars or trucks, and sudden fears like riding the school bus. Contact your pediatrician if these issues persist beyond 2-4 weeks. Counseling may be needed to treat trauma.
If your children have incurred medical bills and other financial expenses due to the accident, you may need to seek legal help. Attorney Brian White, a leading Houston truck accident lawyer, says that in these cases, parents should seek help from an experienced attorney who can help them understand their rights and options for pursuing compensation for medical care and other costs.
Take Care of Yourself
You’ll be better equipped to help your kids if you also cope with the stress of the accident. Make sure to get support from loved ones, take time for self-care, and watch for any traumatic stress in yourself too. Seek professional counseling if needed. Your well-being directly impacts your child’s recovery.
With patience and compassion, you can guide your children through the difficult emotions that emerge after a truck accident. Keep communication open, provide comfort, encourage expression, watch for trauma, and take care of yourself too. If struggles persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. With your help, their distress will fade.
