If you’re into daily exercise such as running, walking, or biking, you already know that you need to be aware every time you get out on the road to work out.

Getting into an accident is never fun. Not only does this cause you physical pain, but it also takes you away from living your life as you were once accustomed to.

Oftentimes, people get distracted and don’t always give pedestrians the right of way like they’re supposed to do by law.

If you’ve been in an accident, whether this was a cycling accident or any other pedestrian-related accident, your recovery is critical to you getting back to living life. So here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Many times we don’t want to be put out from living our lives or have our daily routines interrupted. Riding your bike is a form of light exercise that many individuals with heart disease engage in because it’s good for the heart.

To be involved in an accident that takes away your ability to exercise can be devastating. Due to this, many people involved in accidents refuse medical attention. Some individuals are also worried about having to pay large hospital bills, so they choose to deal with their injuries instead.

This may be simply a common stubbornness that all humans have, but neglecting injuries can put you in a more painful situation later on down the road. If you’ve been involved in an accident, seek proper medical attention immediately. This will ensure that your recovery will be faster than if you just deal with the pain on your own.

2. Seek Legal Counsel

If you were a pedestrian, or out running or walking and were hit by a car, you have the right to pursue legal action against the party that hit you.

Today, with cellphones and texting while driving being such a distraction, motorists don’t pay attention to everything as they should while driving.

Chances are, you’re in the position to receive compensation for your injuries including pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses if you consider filing a lawsuit against the person who hit you.

3. Physical Therapy

Unfortunately, some injuries require intense physical rehabilitation. If your injuries were severe, you’re probably going to be in the hospital for several weeks, if not for months.

These types of injuries require a therapist to aid in your recovery. Even if your injuries weren’t life-threatening and you were discharged from the hospital quickly, sometimes you can develop issues associated with your accident.

This is where a physical therapist can be of great assistance. Physical therapists are trained to help you recover faster and in a safe and controlled manner. Some of the techniques they use are daily physical exercise and specific movements or routines that are designed to help you rebuild muscle and coordination.

Depending on your injuries, a physical therapist may even recommend different therapies from other medical practitioners like chiropractors or acupuncturists.

4. Pain Management

In case of severe pain, specific drugs may be prescribed by your doctor to help reduce that pain. While narcotics are sometimes recommended by physicians to help deal with pain, this is a slippery slope to tread along. Narcotics are highly addictive and can cause more harm than help in the long term.

If you’re worried about the side effects and future problems associated with today’s powerful narcotic painkillers, consider managing your pain using natural therapies. Tequila is actually a natural pain killer when used in moderation. A shot or two is known to reduce pain and can be used as a sleep aid as well.

Other things to consider are Eucalyptus oil, which is known to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in the body. Ginger and Capsaicin when applied topically can also reduce inflammation and swelling associated with pain.

Conclusion

Ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time to heal and rest. And, as always, consult with your physician prior to engaging in any pain management regimen. Your doctor will be able to direct you to the best practice of pain management for your injuries.