Figuring out how to get over a car accident that was your fault isn’t about ignoring what happened—it’s about finding a way to move through it. You’re here because you’re looking for answers. No excuses or sugarcoating—just straightforward advice on what to do next. Let’s talk about what this looks like, from managing the emotions to the responsibilities that follow a car accident that was your fault.
It’s Not Just About the Damage
When people think about car accidents, they often picture the wreckage—dented metal, broken glass, and a long list of repair costs. But if you’ve been in one, you know it’s not just about what’s left on the road. The thoughts that follow can be just as overwhelming. Did I make the right decision? Could I have prevented this? What happens now?
It’s not just about the cars or the insurance claims; it’s about what the accident leaves behind emotionally. And when you’re at fault, those feelings tend to linger far longer than any physical damage.
Taking Responsibility After a Car Accident
The first step in moving past the accident is coming to terms with the fact that you made a mistake. You can’t undo it, but you can decide what happens next.
Owning it doesn’t mean labeling yourself as reckless or irresponsible. It means looking at the situation honestly—was it a distraction, a miscalculation, or just a rushed choice that didn’t go as planned? Figuring out what went wrong isn’t about punishing yourself. It’s about ensuring you react differently if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Mistakes happen, but what you learn from them is what matters.
What Is the Emotional Toll of Causing an Accident?
Trauma after a car accident isn’t just something that happens to passengers or those with severe injuries. It can affect anyone— including the person at fault. Even if no one was seriously hurt, knowing your mistake led to a crash can stay with you in ways you didn’t expect.
You might tense up when passing the crash site. An unexpected stop could send a wave of panic through you. If the guilt, stress, or fear isn’t easing with time, emotional trauma after a car accident may be something you need to address. These feelings don’t always fade on their own, and working through them is just as important as handling the insurance and legal side.
Can You Get PTSD from a Car Accident?
Some people walk away from an accident thinking they can shake it off, only to find the memory creeping in when they least expect it. A sudden noise might make your heart race, or your grip could tighten on the wheel at a busy intersection. These reactions could be signs of something more—so, can you get PTSD from a car accident? The answer is yes.
PTSD doesn’t only happen in life-threatening crashes or for those who weren’t at fault. It can affect anyone, including the driver responsible for the accident. Some signs include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares about the crash,
- Avoiding driving or even being in a car,
- Feeling on edge or easily startled by everyday situations, and
- Panic attacks or a sense of dread when thinking about the accident.
If any of this sounds familiar, you need to take it seriously. The brain processes trauma in its own way, and brushing it off won’t make it disappear.
Coping with Shock After a Car Accident
You might have felt detached right after the crash, as if the event wasn’t real. Later, it all sinks in, and even small things—like driving past the scene or hearing a sudden noise—can bring everything rushing back.
Working through shock after a car accident starts with giving yourself time to regroup. Take care of basic needs—eat, hydrate, and rest—even if it feels like your mind is elsewhere. These small acts help your body reset. If this state persists for days or weeks, get help.
Steps to Move Past a Car Accident You Caused
Getting through a car accident that was your fault isn’t just about handling the paperwork—it’s about returning to where you feel steady behind the wheel. Here are some ways to start moving in that direction:
- Talk to someone you trust. Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist who can listen without judgment. Saying things out loud can help you process what happened and shift your mindset.
- Ease back Into driving. If driving feels uncomfortable, take a short drive on familiar streets during quieter times of the day. Each trip can lessen any hesitation you experience about driving again.
- Understand your legal responsibilities. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault is divided based on each driver’s role in the crash. Understanding what this means can help you handle insurance claims or legal responsibilities.
- Learn from the experience. An accident you caused can be a wake-up call. Now is the time to adjust habits that may have contributed.
This accident doesn’t define you. The mistakes that led to it don’t have to follow you forever. What matters now is what you do with what you’ve learned.
Turning a Tough Moment into a Fresh Start: How We Can Help
Causing an accident can leave you feeling stuck in a moment you wish you could take back. Taking the time to own what happened, learn from it, and make changes is how you move forward—not just as a driver but as someone who values the safety of others on the road.
Smith & Holder, PLLC knows Mississippi law and what it takes to get through it. If you’re dealing with legal questions, insurance issues, or the impact of the accident itself, we can walk you through what to expect and what steps to take. Call us today.
