The Psychological Effects of Car Accidents on Bystanders and Witnesses
When you think of car accident victims, you likely think of drivers and passengers involved in a crash. However, even those who aren’t physically involved in a collision may suffer psychological and emotional issues. Car accidents are traumatic for everyone involved, and even witnessing the death or serious injury of another human being can leave an individual in need of mental health support.
It’s important for victims of collisions to get the help they need. That’s where we step in. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-300-2754 to set up a consultation with our team of car accident attorneys.
How Bystanders and Witnesses Respond to Accidents
Bystanders may respond to collisions in a number of ways, depending on their proximity and their natural response to disaster. The ways in which they respond may play a role in how the accident affects them psychologically down the road.
Some respond to accidents with a desire to help. They may jump into action right away by calling 911, providing immediate first aid, assessing victims’ injuries, and trying to comfort those who are panicking. Others don’t respond quite as well; they may experience shock and be unable to react at all.
Fear and anxiety are also normal responses to car collisions. Witnesses and bystanders may experience immediate anxiety about the well-being of those involved, the potential for secondary collisions, and what they should do to help.
Guilt and regret often follow, especially for those who did not step in to help. Even though it’s unlikely that their involvement could have changed the outcome of the crash itself, they may wonder if they could have helped someone with an injury or called emergency services instead of freezing.
Long-Term Effects of Witnessing an Accident
After the immediate panic and fear of a crash passes, those who witnessed it may experience a wide range of psychological outcomes. Some, particularly those who witnessed death or serious injury, may develop PTSD. The knowledge that life can change in a moment can be too much for some people, and even being close to a car may be enough to trigger flashbacks and dissociation.
Other potential outcomes are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and intense phobias. For some victims, these phobias are enough to impair their ability to live normal lives.
One phenomenon that isn’t spoken about as often is survivor’s guilt. Imagine a crash that you would have been involved in if you’d left the house 30 seconds earlier, or one that would have affected you if you hadn’t switched lanes when you did. Realizing that you could have suffered the same outcome as the accident victims were it not for luck is sobering, and it’s enough to make some people question whether or not they deserved to be spared.
Your Level of Involvement is Important
The more involved an individual is in an accident, the more likely they are to experience long-term consequences. Someone who is actively providing aid to someone who goes on to suffer severe or fatal injuries is obviously going to be far more affected than someone who watches it from a block away.
However, this can also go the opposite way, depending on the individual’s mental health. Someone who provides direct aid may feel like they did everything they could and be at peace with the outcome, while someone who simply watched while frozen in fear may spiral into depression.
In fact, prior mental health concerns are a major factor in how one responds to an accident or other type of trauma. Those who have a history of strong mental health are less likely to be affected by an accident, regardless of their level of involvement.
Resources for Those Seeking Solutions
It’s crucial that bystanders negatively affected by an accident seek mental health support as early as possible. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Therapy, local support groups, and online support groups are all excellent resources.
Explore Your Legal Options After a Car Accident—Contact Reeves & Mestayer
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may have a right to compensation. Find out now by contacting the team of Biloxi personal injury lawyers at Reeves & Mestayer. Call us at 228-300-2754 or reach out online to get started.
