What Injuries Are Common in Drunk-Driving Collisions?

Accidents happening after drunk driving are completely devastating and stressful, often causing severe harm and injuries that impact victims physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you know was injured in a car collision because of a driver’s negligent decision to drive under the influence (DUI), there are legal options to move forward to seek fair solutions and compensation. 

Car accidents caused by DUI often have more terrifying consequences than those caused by other factors due to the impairment of the driver’s reflexes, judgment, and coordination. This makes the consequences of these car crashes even more devastating. 

In this article, we will explore the injury types caused by the stressful car accident under DUI. By understanding these injuries, drivers and pedestrians can be better prepared for the risks involved and take steps to minimize them. 

Types of Injuries in Drunk-Driving Collisions 

Car collisions, which typically happen when drunk driving, typically result in a range of injuries, depending on the crash severity and the individuals involved. These injuries can differ from small cuts to life-altering conditions. A few of the types of injuries are more commonly seen due to the nature of these accidents. 

Here are some of the most common injuries caused by DUI: 

• Whiplash and neck injuries are the most common in car collisions under DUI. Sudden impacts can cause severe whiplash, leading to neck pain and stiffness. 

• Another common injury is head injuries. This type of injury occurs in drivers or passengers who do not wear seat belts. They are at risk of hitting their heads against the vehicle’s dashboard, windshield, or other parts. This can end up with concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). 

• The force of a drunk-driving car crash can lead to severe fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. 

• The violent nature of these car crashes was caused by DUI. That can cause severe damage to internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or spleen, often requiring surgery or long-term medical treatment. 

• Spinal cord injuries are the most common in severe crashes; a person may suffer from spinal cord injuries that could result in paralysis. 

• Glass, debris, or even the impact itself can cause deep cuts and abrasions, sometimes leading to scarring or infection. 

Understanding How Injuries Are Caused by Drunk Driving in a Car Crash 

Car accidents are very serious incidents, especially those caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. This has led to a wide range of injuries. Understanding how these injuries occur can help highlight the importance of preventing DUI car accidents. 

1. A car collision caused by a drunk driver will end up with a stressful impact on the vehicle and all occupants, resulting in many injuries to both the fellow driver and their passengers, including whiplash and severe head trauma. 
2. Following the initial impact of the collision, the momentum of the vehicle creates a massive impact on both the vehicle and an object (the blunt force trauma) to the chest, arms and legs, and abdomen. These severe injuries will frequently result in broken bones and/or injuries to the internal structures. 
3. When a driver or passenger is trapped within a vehicle following the violent impacts, there is also a chance of severe additional injuries due to further impacts and the need for emergency rescue personnel to extract the individual from the vehicle. This can include the potential for further cuts, lacerations, or other injuries resulting from this stage of an accident. 
4. While many injuries are obvious and apparent immediately following the injury, some injuries will not be recognized until much later, or the interval between the time of the injury and when it will be medically assessed. Delayed symptoms of injury will often require medical attention to avoid long-term consequences. 

Key Takeaways 

• Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and impaired drivers are responsible for the highest number of catastrophic or stressful injuries. 

• The head injury, broken bone, and spinal cord injury were injuries sustained in a car crash.  

• Saving DWI will reduce injury count and severity of injuries; therefore, public awareness and law enforcement are critical.