Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall
Depression after DUI Accidents: Understanding the Triggers
When someone is involved in a DUI accident, whether as a driver, passenger, or innocent bystander, the trauma of the event can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression. The overwhelming sense of helplessness, fear, and the loss of control experienced during and after the accident can leave lasting emotional scars.
The stress and anxiety that accompany legal proceedings, medical treatments, and financial burdens can compound the emotional impact, leading to feelings of despair, hopelessness, and isolation.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of a DUI accident and struggling with depression, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to a mental health professional if you need an evaluation. Then, seek help from a compassionate attorney who can help you during this challenging time. Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards healing and recovery.
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The Emotional Toll of Drunk Driving Accidents in Albuquerque
The emotional effect of drunk driving accidents can take many forms. Some of the most common consequences that people hit by drunk drivers experience after a crash include:
Grief
A drunk driving accident can cause people to experience intense grief, whether the accident involved them or a loved one. A person who suffers severe disabilities or disfigurement in a drunk driving crash may experience grief over the loss of physical abilities or permanent changes in appearance caused by disabilities or disfigurement. Alternatively, a person may grieve for a loved one who has suffered severe or fatal injuries due to a drunk driver.
PTSD
A violent car crash, including one caused by a drunk driver, may cause crash victims to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the American Psychiatric Association, people experiencing PTSD after a drunk driving accident may develop the following:
- Ongoing irritability
- Insomnia
- Memory or concentration problems
- Emotional numbness
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden and extreme emotional breakdowns
Exposure to stimuli that remind a person of the crash, such as getting into a vehicle, passing by the spot where the crash occurred, or reading stories about other drunk driving accidents, can trigger flashbacks of the event or other strong emotional responses.
Contact an Albuquerque Car Accident Lawyer
Survivor’s Guilt
Crash victims may experience an emotional response called survivor’s guilt when another victim dies in a drunk driving accident. Survivor’s guilt may occur when a person feels guilty about surviving a car accident when others died. Survivors sometimes blame themselves for another person’s death in the accident.
Depression
Suffering severe injuries in a drunk driving crash or experiencing PTSD can cause accident victims to become depressed. Furthermore, temporary or permanent physical disabilities that prevent crash victims from performing daily tasks or participating in activities they previously enjoyed can bring on severe depression. The stress of an extended medical recovery process can also cause them to feel depressed.
Anxiety
Getting into a car crash with a drunk driver may cause people to develop anxiety over driving, riding in a vehicle, or going out in public. Drunk driving accident victims may develop fears of getting into another auto accident and might refuse to drive or go out.
Alternatively, people may feel anxiety when they have an uncertain prognosis for their accident injuries. Crash victims may become severely worried about whether they will fully recover from their injuries to return to work or participate in activities they enjoy or whether their injuries may leave them with permanent disabilities or disfigurement.
Financial Stress: The Weight of the Burden Can Cause Mental Health Problems
One of the major sources of stress in these situations is the financial burden that victims and their families often face. Medical bills, property damage, and ongoing rehabilitation costs can quickly add up, leaving individuals in a state of financial distress. This stress can become overwhelming and can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
The emotional toll of a drunk driving accident is already heavy, and the added weight of financial worries can be unbearable. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side to help you seek every dollar in compensation you deserve.
Once you have the right lawyer handling your case, it can give you some peace of mind that someone is fighting to alleviate the unexpected financial burden of the accident. You did not cause the crash, so you should not be responsible for these expenses and losses. Your New Mexico drunk driving accident lawyer knows this and will fight for justice in your case.
Legal Uncertainty: Navigating a Complex System
Trying to navigate the legal system while dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath can feel like an impossible task. This is where a drunk driving accident attorney can provide valuable support and guidance.
When you’re faced with the uncertainty of a personal injury claim, it’s important to have someone in your corner who understands the legal system. A skilled New Mexico car accident attorney from Parnall Law can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and guide you through the process of filing a claim. They can handle all negotiations with insurance companies, seeking the compensation you deserve.
Don’t shut down in the face of this overwhelming situation. Reach out for help from a drunk driving accident attorney who regularly handles these cases. They have the knowledge and experience to fight on your behalf, giving you the space to focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. The attorneys at Parnall Law are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Contact a Compassionate Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Our firm works tirelessly to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents and support those who have suffered injuries, including through our collaborations with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). An experienced attorney can help drunk driving accident victims pursue accountability and justice from the intoxicated driver at fault for the crash and their injuries.
Contact Parnall Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options for securing financial recovery with the assistance of an experienced drunk-driving crash attorney.
