A car crash can leave more than just physical damage—it can also shake your confidence and leave you feeling scared to get behind the wheel again. Whether it was a minor bump or a serious accident, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about driving afterward.
If you’re struggling with fear after a crash, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to rebuild your confidence. Here’s what to do if you’re scared to drive after an accident.
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Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step is recognising that your fear is valid. Many people feel anxious, hesitant, or even panicked at the thought of driving again after an accident. Some may experience flashbacks, increased heart rate, or even avoid driving altogether.
Suppressing these feelings won’t make them go away. Instead, allow yourself to process what happened. Talk to a friend, journal your thoughts, or even speak to a professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Accepting your emotions is the first step toward overcoming them. Don’t forget to contact rtaclaims.co.uk if you weren’t at fault for the accident and want to get compensation. Realising you’re not at fault can also help you feel better about getting back behind the wheel.
Ease Yourself Back Into Driving
You don’t have to jump straight back into long motorway drives—start small and work your way up.
- Be a passenger first – If being in a car makes you nervous, begin by sitting in the passenger seat and observing how it feels.
- Take short, familiar trips – Start with a drive around your local area or a quiet road where you feel comfortable.
- Drive with a trusted person – Having a friend or family member with you can provide reassurance.
- Choose the right time and place – Avoid rush hour or busy roads until you feel more confident.
The key is to take things at your own pace. The more positive experiences you have behind the wheel, the easier it will become.
Manage Anxiety While Driving
Even after easing back into driving, anxiety may still creep in. Here are some techniques to help keep you calm on the road:
- Practice deep breathing – If you feel anxious, take slow, deep breaths to relax your body and mind.
- Use calming music or podcasts – Listening to something soothing can help shift your focus away from fear.
- Plan your route ahead of time – Knowing exactly where you’re going reduces stress and last-minute decisions.
- Take breaks if needed – If you start to feel overwhelmed, pull over somewhere safe and take a moment to reset.
Take a Refresher Driving Course
If fear is holding you back, a refresher driving lesson with an instructor could help. There are specialist driving instructors who focus on post-accident confidence-building. They can help you:
- Rebuild your driving skills in a supportive environment.
- Learn defensive driving techniques to feel more in control.
- Regain confidence by practising in a structured way.
Sometimes, having professional guidance can make a huge difference in overcoming fear.
When to Get Professional Help with Your Claim
Are you wondering whether you should continue with your car accident claim by yourself or with the help of professionals? Most people are on the fence about this decision and they don’t know what’s going to be the best for their claim. Generally, it’s recommended that you use professional help since these processes can be time-consuming, complicated and tedious. Here are some examples of when you should get assistance from experts.
You Feel Overwhelmed
Are you already lost with the claims process? You don’t want to continue and end up jeopardising your case. Instead, you should recognise that you’re overwhelmed and out of your depth. Hiring a professional means that you can have guidance through the process and they can handle all of the complicated parts.
You Have No Time
Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll need to dedicate to your claim if you’re handling it by yourself. What’s more, when you delay, it’s going to drag the case out for even longer. If you recognise that you don’t have enough time in your schedule or you have other things you need to attend to, hire experts. They can make sure that all paperwork is dealt with and things continue to go smoothly.
You Want the Most Compensation
Do you believe that you deserve a lot of compensation in your case? The best way to secure this is with professional help. They have the experience necessary to negotiate well and know what you’re entitled to. When you’re dealing with a claim yourself, it can be easy to jump at the first offer you get and for insurance companies to take advantage of you. But, the same can’t be said when a professional deals with your case.
Be Kind to Yourself
Recovery takes time, and it’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable driving right away. Set small goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how minor. Every step forward—whether it’s sitting in the driver’s seat or driving around the block—is a win.
Remind yourself that fear is temporary, and with patience and practice, you will regain your confidence. The road is still yours to enjoy—one step at a time.
Varsha