DiLorenzo & Rush | Counselors of Law
Stepping Up & Standing Out

Understanding the effects of drunk driving accidents

On Behalf of | Feb 7, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

If a person is hit by a drunk driver and is injured, it can have a devastating impact on his or her life. In addition to expensive medical bills, the victim may lose time away from work to heal and it can have a financial impact on the family members that rely on him or her for support.

Drunk driving accidents

Statistics indicate that drunk driving accidents cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Alcohol can limit a driver’s ability to drive safely because it impairs brain function, thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination.

As a driver’s blood alcohol concentration increases, the risk of an accident increases as well. Generally, this occurs when the driver’s blood alcohol is .08 or higher, however even smaller amounts of alcohol can affect a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Drunk drivers are subject to penalties like fines, driver’s license revocation and jail time. However, those who are injured by a drunk driver may not be aware that they can also pursue a claim for compensation against the drunk driver.

Injuries

When a person is hit by a drunk driver, he or she can suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, whiplash and traumatic brain injuries.

Spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries can cause permanent damage. These include a loss of sensation in the person’s extremities, loss of strength and coordination problems. In addition to the physical impact, these injuries can cause mental, emotional and social damage because the person cannot return to his or her normal activities.

If a person has been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, there is help available.