I saw someone die in a car wreck tonight. I was right behind the car that got hit, it pulled out a second before me. I was getting ready to pull out but made a split second decision not to, the collision happened a foot or two from my car. I can't help feeling scared and so guilty, and I can't get the image out of my head. I'm really terrified to drive tomorrow, and I'm freaking out because I don't want my mom to drive to work tomorrow. I know it might sound like I'm being stupid, but I just never realized how quickly your life can end until tonight. It was so morbid and terrifying, and I watched the little girl that got out of the car. That could have been her mom or dad that was carried away in a body bag..I feel so so guilty. If I would have pulled out, they'd be alive. I know it sounds dumb and makes no sense but I'm just so freaked out about the whole thing. I can't stop thinking about it.
Update:To the person who asked how I knew they died: They were carried away in a body bag.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Don't feel guilty. It wasn't your fault.
You just saw it happen.
That was a traumatic experience for you though, so you might have some flashbacks, etc, and might be afraid to be in similar circumstances to those in which the traumatic circumstance occurred. You might want to talk to a counselor about it if it is affecting your ability to live your life.
Please do take this as a lesson to drive very carefully though, so you will never be the cause of such a tragedy.
You have definitely been traumatized by the wreck and the death.
Be easy on yourself - take tomorrow off, call and talk with a counselor on the phone, if you can, if not a counselor, than someone at a church, they have people there who counsel others.
It would be good if you process this with someone. This can help with your fears and feelings of guilt.
Tonight, if you can, sit and write down what you remember seeing and hearing. Keep that writing, so you can refer to it in court. as a witness.
To get yourself through tonight, sit wrapped in a blanket and watch old movies or I LOVE LUCY, just to have your mind on something else. You might call a friend to come and be with you, too.
it sounds like you are in shock which is completely normal for what you have been through. it will slowly wear off as the days go by. from what you wrote, it doesnt sound like it was your fault, it was just one of those freak things that happen. i have been if a few car accidents myself and don't remember 2 of them, all i remember is waking up in the hospital.. so it can happen to anyone and unless the other guy was drunk of doing something stupid, it's really just an accident. i understand the rear and panic you are feeling, just keep telling yourself that it's because of the trauma and that you are in shock. that is what helped me to get over my fear of driving afterward. the chances are really pretty slim that it will happen to you so just be patient and aware when you drive and you will be ok.
I had the same experience its terrifying. It happend to my old teacher her fiance died in a car crash right 1 week before there wedding.. Just pray that she will be safe
how do you know they died?