Even a small amount of alcohol can impact a driver's judgment, coordination, and reflexes. Drunk drivers often make poor decisions and cause preventable accidents. Drunk driving accidents can cause severe injuries that physically and mentally incapacitate people.
Common Injuries After a Drunk Driving Accident
Some of the serious injuries that can result after a drunk driving wreck include:
- Amputations. During the impact of a vehicle crash, a person’s hand, foot, toe, finger, or limb can be so severely damaged that surgery cannot save it. In some crashes, an appendage may be severed by a sharp object or crushed during the crash. In other instances, an appendage is so badly damaged that surgical amputation is the only way to save the person’s life.
- Head and brain injuries. Your head is vulnerable to impact during a car crash, and trauma to the brain can occur if your head hits the windshield or steering wheel. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause people to go into comas, and they can also create motor function and cognition issues.
- Broken bones. Complex fractures and catastrophic bone breaks suffered in a car crash can require multiple surgeries. These types of injuries can cause permanent physical disability or even the loss of a limb.
- Internal injuries. At the point of impact in a car accident, occupants can slam against the windshield, dashboard, or airbags, which can cause internal injuries such as a collapsed lung, organ damage, or internal bleeding. Because internal injury symptoms often don't show up right away, it is crucial to get medical attention immediately following an accident even if you feel fine.
- Spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord can be devastating and life-altering. Although the spinal cord can sometimes be repaired, the bundle of nerves that protect it cannot. Depending on the severity of the injury to the spinal cord, it can impact motor function or result in paralysis.
- Facial disfigurements. Car accidents can result in cuts and burns, which can cause painful skin damage anywhere on the body. Facial scarring and disfigurement are some of the most common types of auto accident-related injuries. This type of injury can have a significant impact on victims for the rest of their lives.
- Mental health issues. Victims of drunk driving accidents can experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
- Death. Every day in the United States, nearly 30 people die in drunk driving accidents. No amount of money will bring a loved one back but getting compensation after the wreck will help pay the medical and funeral expenses of your family member as well as other costs associated with the crash.
Types of Compensation
If you are injured because a drunk driver caused a crash, you should receive compensation for the following:
- Lost income, including lost earning capacity if you cannot work because of your injuries
- Medical expenses, including those expected in the future
- Personal property damage
- Pain and suffering
Have You or a Family Member Been Injured By a Drunk Driver?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving wreck, you need an attorney who can help protect your rights and prevent mistakes from being made that could jeopardize the outcome of your case. Don’t accept any offer from an insurance company without speaking to us first.
At The Button Law Firm, we can work with investigators to help gather evidence related to your crash—even if the other driver is not charged with driving under the influence. After we learn the details of your case, we can assess whether the person or business that provided alcohol to the negligent driver has any liability for damages. Contact us to set up a time for a free consultation.
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