When you get into a serious car accident, you probably don’t immediately think about the state of your marriage. As you should be, you’re focused on getting proper medical care and things of this nature. The accident may be the most chaotic and dangerous event of your life, and you’re simply trying to get through it and begin putting things back together.
But could that crash actually lead to the end of your marriage? Could it push you toward divorce? It’s certainly possible.
For instance, researchers have studied the link between traumatic brain injuries and divorce cases over the decades, and they’ve consistently found a high divorce rate after such an injury. It’s come up as high as 78%. The commonly-cited statistic that 50% of marriages end in divorce is inaccurate and too high, so this is an even bigger leap over the standard divorce rate than it may first appear.
Why does this happen? Serious injuries can change lives forever. You may need extra care and be unable to work. That means lost wages, more stress on your spouse and changing roles where your spouse is now a caretaker. While it’s noble to think that a spouse would take this on with the other person’s best interests at heart, the high divorce rate shows how difficult it can be and how many people eventually choose to go their separate ways.
Any serious life change can cause a divorce. If you find yourself heading down this path toward ending your marriage, it’s time to look into your legal options. When your world seems like it has been turned upside down, an experienced attorney can help you better understand the next steps you should take.
