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Every day, nearly 30 people across the United States die in a drunk-driving accident. That is approximately one preventable death every 50 minutes. In Florida, where drunk drivers cause 25% of car accidents, the death toll is nearly one person per day. Despite the emotional toll, drunk driving also takes a huge financial toll on injured individuals and their families. Our Fort Myers accident lawyer knows that drunk driving accidents cost tens of billions of dollars a year; however, it is difficult to truly calculate the extra costs associated with the physical and emotional trauma of drunk driving accidents. 

Despite the physical harm of a drunk driving accident, which can include spinal injuries, limb loss, or traumatic brain injuries that require intense, immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation, victims are also vulnerable to long-term emotional trauma that could result in psychological issues that strongly impact them and their families. Below, we discuss the steps to heal physically, emotionally, and financially from a drunk driving accident.

What Are the Physical Effects of a Drunk Driving Accident?

The most vulnerable parts of the body that can be impacted by a car accident are the legs and knees, the chest, the spine, the neck, and the skull. These also happen to be areas of the body that, after sustaining severe injuries, could take years to heal if they don’t cause life-long effects on the body. Victims of drunk driving accidents are fortunate if they get away with just a few scratches and bruises or light cuts from broken glass. But often, victims are at risk of broken or amputated limbs, fractured skulls, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries that can leave them permanently disfigured or disabled. 

The Invisible Emotional Costs of Drunk Driving

It is common for survivors of drunk driving accidents to deal with severe emotional distress, such as uncontrollable anger, violent thoughts or manifestations, as well as intense feelings of guilt and grief if the accident resulted in the death of a loved one. Emotional distress can result in the loss of appetite, depression, and lack of motivation that can last for years. The survivors of drunk driving accidents can often feel alone in their healing process, and without proper guidance, the emotional toll can last for years. 

The Psychological Risks of Drunk Driving 

When the emotional trauma of surviving a drunk driving accident is not adequately treated by a medical professional, survivors are at risk of developing severe psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a common psychological problem for many survivors who experience flashbacks, nightmares, depression, insomnia, anger, and irritability. Victims can become withdrawn and avoid the people and places that remind them of the car accident. 

You Deserve Financial Retribution 

The physical, emotional, and psychological toll of surviving a drunk driving accident comes with a high price tag. Some expenses, like medical bills, are easy to determine. Others, like the inability to continue working, can cause immediate and future financial devastation. In addition to seeking the aid of physicians, physical rehabilitation, and psychologists, consult with a Fort Myers accident lawyer to alleviate one of the many burdens you will be forced to face. 

Contact a Fort Myers Accident Lawyer at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Today

Just because Florida is taking steps to minimize drunk driving accidents doesn’t mean they don’t still happen. If you're a victim of a drunk driver, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries.

To discuss your legal rights and options, speak with Fort Myers Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible. Contact us online for a free initial consultation.

Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839 or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit Spivey Law.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.  

 Contact us online for a free initial consultation.