The DUI Cost is Often Steep
When one is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, they will most likely need a DUI lawyer. They can usually expect to face harsh consequences which may include jail time. Most likely hefty fines at a minimum if convicted in court.
The DUI cost, however, becomes exponential when a drunk driver gets involved in an accident. Aside from the financial cost, a drunk driving crash can bring physical, psychological, and emotional effects. These effects may become a burdern on everyone involved in that person’s life.
Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Anyone surviving a drunk driving crash with minor or no injuries can be considered fortunate. Many car crash survivors, however, can hardly be regarded as lucky with the type of physical injuries they sustain.
Some of the most heartbreaking injuries suffered during drunk driving crashes involve damages to the brain. Survivors with traumatic brain injuries may not ever fully recover. Some are unable to see, speak, talk, walk, or even eat on their own. These damages happen so fast, but they may last for the remainder of that person’s life.DUIs Increase in Central Florida
Aside from the head & neck, the chest, spine, legs, and knees are also vulnerable in car accidents. It’s will take time for victims to recover from injuries to those areas, if they recover. They are likely to experience chronic pain long-term as well.
Psychological Cost of DUI & Drunk Driving Crashes
A drunk driving crash is a traumatizing event, especially when it results in death or serious injury. Survivors tend to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which affects millions of Americans every year.
Those with PTSD can show symptoms of:
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- irritability and restlessness
- insomnia and night terrors
- anxiety and irritibility
- lack of focus and concentration
- emotional/mental numbness and boredom
Certain activities like riding or driving a car can also trigger flashbacks. This might make that person feel they are reliving that traumatic experience again. Anything that may remind them of the incident that brought on this condition (i.e. similar news reports, seeing another survivor).
Emotional Effects of Drunk Driving Accidents
When drunk drivers involved in a deadly car crash survive an accident, they might feel guilt. This is usually due to deaths and injuries they have caused. This shame or guilt will be hanging over their heads for some time after. Some even feel overwhelmed to the point of suicidal thoughts. If you know anyone experiencing these thoughts please call the suicide prevention line at 1-800-273-8255.
Other survivors of a drunk driving accident may experience guilt as well. This might happen even when they were not at fault. They are likely to experience mental and emotional stress due to surviving the crash, knowing others were not as fortunate. It’s also common for survivors of a drunk driving accident to feel angry. Especially against the drunk driver who caused the crash.
Drunk driving accidents can take a toll on those involved. Survivors will need all the support and help they can get to overcome the physical, psychological, and emotional damages. It will take some time to recover. However, with the help of a professional treatment center and intensive therapy, survivors of drunk driving crashes can still lead a normal, happy life! Serenity Springs provides those services at our Men’s Drug Rehab in Edgewater, FL and our Outpatient & IOP in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
