6 Practical Tips for Returning to Work After a Car Accident

Getting back to work after being hurt in a car accident can be stressful if your claim is still pending. It’s frustrating having to deal with recovery, pain, insurance claims, and the pressure to return to normal life all at the same time. You don’t want to get burned out, reinjured, or go back too soon and lose out on compensation. Thankfully there are ways to start working again without being set back or harming your claim. 

Here are some tips for making your transition smooth and stress-free.

1. Hire a lawyer to negotiate for you

The constant mental load of dealing with insurance adjusters can be a huge obstacle to a smooth transition back into the workplace. However, if you don’t negotiate you won’t get fair compensation. In fact, insurance companies count on injured parties being too exhausted to fight lowball settlements and want you to take their first offer and disappear. That can cause even more stress when you realize your settlement check isn’t enough.

When you hire a lawyer to negotiate your settlement, they’ll fight hard to maximize your compensation. A lawyer will know exactly what your claim is worth and won’t allow the insurance company to get away with pushing a low settlement. When you’re not dealing with all the back and forth, you can focus on healing and getting back to work. It will be easier to adapt to a new role or adjusted responsibilities without constantly worrying about whether or not you’ll be able to pay your medical bills. Your lawyer will handle everything, including getting you compensated for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.

2. Follow your doctor’s timeline for returning to work

If you go back to work too soon, you can ruin weeks of recovery. It’s critical to follow your doctor’s guidance to avoid extending your recovery time unnecessarily. If you do go back to work, make sure you get a formal note from your doctor that outlines all of your restrictions so you’re protected from being pushed into tasks you can’t safely manage. 

Even when you do go back to work and are fully cleared, expect to experience pain, fatigue, and possibly limited mobility for a while. It can take time for your body to fully heal and readjust to your tasks. However, if your symptoms worsen at any time, talk to your doctor immediately. 

3. Ease back into work gradually

Don’t jump straight into your normal workload right away, even if you feel up to the task. Injuries have a way of exhausting and overwhelming the body and mind. It’s better to ease back into your role. Start with light duty and fewer hours that increase gradually. This will help you rebuild your stamina without burning yourself out on the first day back.

If you’re the kind of person who skips breaks, start taking them even when you don’t feel like they’re needed. Taking short breaks throughout the day can help you maintain your energy levels and give your mind a break from mental stress. 

4. Communicate with your employer

Being transparent with your employer can prevent misunderstandings and make them more supportive of your recovery and needs. Don’t just hand them a doctor’s note and expect them to accommodate you properly. Explain your limitations clearly and specifically by telling your employer what you can and can’t do. Discuss any reasonable accommodations you need like modified duties or flexible hours. Be honest about your capabilities so you don’t overcommit.

5. Manage your pain strategically

You can expect your pain to linger for a while once you get back to work. It’s critical to take your prescribed pain medication as long as it’s not going to interfere with your job. Know when to stop so you don’t overload your body with too much pain. And when possible, make your workspace more comfortable with ergonomic office furniture that reduces strain.

6. Rebuild your physical strength and mental endurance

Every job requires some degree of physical and mental exertion, even if all you do is type all day long. After a significant amount of time off, you’ll need to rebuild your ability to make it through the day. Start slowly by rebuilding your strength at home with walks around the block or light stretching exercises. You can also go to physical therapy even if it wasn’t initially recommended. 

A strategic return will support your recovery

Returning to work after a car accident isn’t something you need to rush into. Start slowly and don’t overcommit to tasks beyond your capabilities. Heed your doctor’s advice regarding limitations. By avoiding unnecessary stress, your transition back to work will be smoother.