My friend was just in a car accident and her car was totaled. Everyone involved in the accident were ok, but she still feels bad about it because she feels it was her fault. She was making a left at a yielding green light and forgot to yield to on coming traffic, so a car swiped/hit the right-side of her car. Her friend was in the passengers seat, and he passed out, which really scared her. He later was alright, but she is still freaked out by the whole incident. Her parents are obviously upset, which is not helping, but is understandable.
I want to be there for her and be as comforting as I can. What can I say to make her feel better? Unfortunately, I live to far away to visit her tonight, but I promised to see her tomorrow and to talk to her all night over the phone. She feels like everyone is mad at her, and she feels like a horrible person, but I tell her that she's not because she'll never intentionally do anything to harm someone. I just need to know how I can help her not to feel bad about what happened.
She's also worried about the financial stress she's causing her family; her parents might have to take out money to buy her a new car; not to mention her insurance will probably go up really high because she's a young driver (18). I've been asking her not to worry about the money and be glad no one got hurt. But is there anything else I can say that will help her not to think about the money and the stress it will put on her family?
I really want to be there for her, and I feel like the best I can do right now is just listen to how she feels and not be so opinionated about things. I feel like this is a learning lesson for her and in due time this will all blow over. If anyone has had a similar experience like this and could share, or if anyone can give me some advice on what is best for me to say to/do for her, I would be extremely appreciative.
I want to be there for her and be as comforting as I can. What can I say to make her feel better? Unfortunately, I live to far away to visit her tonight, but I promised to see her tomorrow and to talk to her all night over the phone. She feels like everyone is mad at her, and she feels like a horrible person, but I tell her that she's not because she'll never intentionally do anything to harm someone. I just need to know how I can help her not to feel bad about what happened.
She's also worried about the financial stress she's causing her family; her parents might have to take out money to buy her a new car; not to mention her insurance will probably go up really high because she's a young driver (18). I've been asking her not to worry about the money and be glad no one got hurt. But is there anything else I can say that will help her not to think about the money and the stress it will put on her family?
I really want to be there for her, and I feel like the best I can do right now is just listen to how she feels and not be so opinionated about things. I feel like this is a learning lesson for her and in due time this will all blow over. If anyone has had a similar experience like this and could share, or if anyone can give me some advice on what is best for me to say to/do for her, I would be extremely appreciative.