How Do DUI Accidents Affect The Victim’s Mental Health?

A woman smoking weed in the car

DUI accidents are all too common in the United States. Every day, people make the poor choice to get behind the wheel after drinking. This decision often leads to disastrous consequences. DUI accidents can be incredibly severe. They often result in serious injuries or even death. In fact, DUI accidents are responsible for a large percentage of traffic fatalities each year. Every year in the United States, there are around 1.1 million people arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). This number doesn’t even include the number of people pulled over without getting a DUI. These accidents are completely preventable. If you choose to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or take a cab home. Don’t risk yourself and others by getting drunk behind the wheel.

Trauma

One of the most common psychological effects of a DUI accident is trauma. Trauma can manifest in many different ways. Some people may have intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the accident. Others may feel detached from their body or numb. It’s not uncommon for people to experience anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a DUI accident.

Guilt

Many people who are involved in DUI accidents feel guilty, even if they weren’t at fault. It’s common to blame yourself for the accident, even if there was nothing you could have done to prevent it. You may feel like you could have done something differently to avoid the collision. This guilt can be incredibly hard to deal with. It’s important to remember that you are not responsible for the other driver’s decision to drink and drive.

Anger

It’s also common to feel immense anger after a DUI accident. You may be angry at the driver who hit you, the justice system, or even yourself. This anger is normal and understandable. It can be helpful to talk to a therapist about how to deal with these feelings in a healthy way.

Grief

You may be dealing with grief if you’ve lost a loved one in a DUI accident. This is an incredibly difficult emotion to deal with. You may feel like you’re in a fog or that you’ll never be able to move on. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve and seek professional help if needed.

PTSD

As we mentioned, some people involved in DUI accidents develop PTSD. This is a serious mental health condition that can have a profound effect on your life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help.

Car crash

If you’re looking for the latest news on what’s happening in Miami, you’ll want to check out the Helping Miami website. This site offers a variety of services, including DUI victim assistance and personal injury assistance. You can also find information on upcoming events, local resources, and more. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the Helping Miami website is a great way to stay up-to-date on all the latest news in the city.

Contact us today for more information.