Drunk driving crashes are more catastrophic than typical automobile accidents. Because alcohol influences reaction time, intoxicated motorists frequently fail to brake or take evasive action before impact. This could lead to high-speed collisions, head-on crashes and severe wrecks.
Key injuries associated with drunk driving accidents
The physical consequences of a DUI crash are often severe, requiring immediate emergency intervention and long-term costly medical rehabilitation. Some of the common injuries suffered by victims include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBIs could range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain damage that impairs cognitive function, speech and mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries: The severity of the impact could shatter vertebrae, rupture disc and sever the spinal cord, leading to long-term medical care and lifestyle adjustment.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage: Blunt-force trauma could puncture lungs and cause lacerations to the liver, spleen, and kidney. Internal bleeding can be dangerous as the symptoms are not always visible.
- Broken bones and fractures: Victims commonly suffer fractures to the femur, pelvis, ribs and arms that often require surgery and months of rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue damage: Severe whiplash, muscle tears and ligament sprains/strains are common, resulting in chronic pain and requiring physical therapy.
- Limb amputation: Extreme crushing force or vehicle entrapment could result in traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical amputation later.
- Burn injuries: Vehicle fires or explosions after accidents could lead to second or third degree burns requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Under Georgia law, victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue punitive damages to hold reckless drivers accountable. Unlike many personal injury cases, where punitive damages are capped at $250,000, Georgia law removes this cap when the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Seeking fair compensation
The injuries resulting from a drunk driving incident can alter your life in an instant. If you or your loved one were injured in a crash by a negligent drunk driver, seeking the guidance of an experienced attorney could help you learn more about your options to pursue fair compensation.