As most of you know I've been commuting off and on to work, about 3 times a week or so; two weeks ago I got involved in a car accident where my VW Jetta got totaled, my mother unfortunately got the worst of it, sustained multiple injuries (fractured spine, pelvis and ribs, among other things) and almost didn't make it, amazingly (miraculously really) enough she's coming back after only two weeks and full recovery is expected. But now, that I'm carLESS by accident (literally) I'm afraid to ride, this fear has made the "best" of me, I don't know what to do, what can I do to recover from this???
Corsaire

You could just hop on your bike and "do it." Try a short ride around the block.

Paul

Get some mirrors, lots of blinkers front and back, and see if you can get one of those neon orange vests. They're extremely visible during the day.
All that should at least make you feel safer if you're totally aware of what's around you.
You can also alter your route and go down wider and less busy streets. It might take a little longer but it'll also be a lot more comfortable. You might even get to work less sweaty and exhausted.

Consider that it was a CAR accident, not a bike accident and then just go ride. If the problem seems serious and you can't get past it, consider professional help. There is no shame in that.

How about riding with a friend ? Not a commute, a casual ride around the block?

Corsaire,
Have you sought help from a mental health professional? (no this is not a joke) If not, I would strongly recommend doing so. For both you and your mother. A licensed therapist can help you both deal with the issues you are facing. You don't have to face them alone. Reach out for the help you need and get better soon.

Regards,

Bob

EDIT: Here is a site with a listing of Mental Health providers in New Jersey: https://www.njamha.org/memb_top.htm

:werd:

It will take a while to recover from such a serious accident. Six years ago, I was in a low speed, head on collision with a city transit bus. It totaled our full size sedan but neither myself or my wife was seriously injured. I was a reluctant driver/cyclist for at least a year. Just take a slow & gradual approach. If possible, try cycling on a local bike path for a while. Don

I think Paul has it right. The only thing that will destroy the fear that seeks to destroy you is to confront it by doing the thing you are afraid of, a little bit at a time.

I remember a lady who had the same tremendous fear after a car wreck. Professional therapists worked it this way: they first got her to just touch the car, then sit in the back seat, then sit while the car was in motion (slowly,) etc. until she worked her way back into driving.

I was in a similar situation two weeks past, I rear-ended a car (who had stopped in a stupid place!) and wiped myself out on the road. Was very skittish about getting on the bike again, convinced that I'd been lucky once and that I may have run out of luck for the next crash. I cycled round my local park for an hour or so, convinced myself that I *was* a good cyclist and then progressed to wee side roads with little traffic. Now I'm back to my old commute-every-day-shouting-at-bus-drivers-and-nattering-to-other-cyclists-at-lights self!
Get right on with it, I procrastinated for days!

Kal

Follow this advice! Based on what you said, even if you can force yourself back on the road, you may still ride tentatively, timidly, and indecisively, all of which can be dangerous (or, conversely, you may overcompensate and be dangerously fearless). Your head is your most important safety device. Make sure it is in good working order.

Good luck to you and your mom.

Thank to all for your advise and kind words. I'll follow through.
Corsaire