The Psychological Impact of Truck Accidents on Victims and Their Families
Truck accidents are devastating, traumatic events that can forever change a victim’s life. While victims are often left with serious physical injuries, they must also work through the mental trauma that comes with a major collision. Not only do these accidents have a negative impact on victims, but they can also completely change family dynamics and patterns. Understanding these effects can help victims fight to get the support and resources they need to heal.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, don’t wait to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-300-2754 to set up a consultation now.
Psychological Impact on Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents may be left with post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if someone in the crash died or the victim was at risk of dying. PTSD is marked by intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks. Victims have a tendency to avoid situations that remind them of the accident, such as being in vehicles or going near roads where the accident occurred.
Anxiety and depression are also fairly common outcomes for truck accident victims. The moments before and during a crash can leave victims with intense feelings of helplessness and fear, both of which can change a person’s coping skills and abilities forever. Those who struggle in this area may report sadness, apathy in day-to-day life, an inability to stop focusing on what could have happened, and isolation from loved ones.
If an accident victim lived while someone else in the crash died or suffered catastrophic injuries, they may be left with survivor’s guilt. Survivors’ guilt often causes victims to feel intense guilt and anxiety. They wonder why they got to survive while others did not.
How Families Are Affected
Family members often struggle to see their loved ones go through the life-changing experience of a truck accident. It’s painful to see someone in so much pain and know that they can do nothing to help them. They may also feel severe anxiety and fear over what could have happened, leading them to hover over their loved ones too much or try to protect them from other dangers. While someone not involved in an accident may not develop PTSD, the symptoms a family member may experience are similar.
Of course, truck accidents can cause a significant amount of financial stress for victims and their family members. Collisions often leave victims with substantial medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation expenses, property damage, and mental health treatment expenses. On top of that, the victim may be left without income either temporarily or permanently, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
No matter how financially stable a family is, it just takes one major emergency to completely turn that on its head. Those who were once homemakers or caretakers may be pushed into the workforce as they try to make ends meet.
Changes in Family Dynamics
The loss of income, loss of independence, and need for around-the-clock care may change a family’s dynamics in ways they did not expect. The victim may struggle to accept their new role within the family and family members may have a hard time meeting the demands placed upon them.
Supporting Victims and Families
The good news is that there are lots of resources for accident victims and their family members. Mental health professionals recognize the need in this area, and there are many counselors and therapists who specialize in trauma-focused services. Victims may also find it helpful to attend support groups that allow them to connect with others in similar circumstances.
Of course, services like these cost money—and that keeps far too many people from getting the help they need. Injured victims may find it helpful to pursue a personal injury claim that will allow them to get the treatment they need.
Explore Your Legal Options with Reeves & Mestayer
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Find out now by setting up a free consultation with our team of Biloxi attorneys. Call us at 228-300-2754 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
