A drunk driving accident can change lives in an instant and leave victims with mounting medical bills. Knowing its severe physical impacts is a vital step toward seeking justice.
High-velocity impact and severe injuries
Alcohol often slows the reflexes of drivers, which can lead to operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) collisions without any attempt to brake or swerve. These high-speed impacts may result in the following catastrophic injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury: The force of a crash can cause the brain to strike the skull, which may lead to permanent cognitive impairment or personality changes. These injuries can require years of therapy and round-the-clock monitoring.
- Spinal cord trauma: Impact at high speeds can sever or crush the vertebrae, which may result in partial or total paralysis. Victims often face a lifetime of using mobility aids and modifying their houses to accommodate new physical limitations.
- Permanent physical deformity: Crushing forces and fire can cause severe scarring or the loss of a limb during a collision. These injuries can affect a person’s ability to work and perform simple daily tasks.
- Internal organ failure: Blunt force trauma can crush a victim’s internal organs such as the liver or kidneys. Such trauma may require organ transplants or long-term reliance on medical machinery.
These life-changing conditions can require a team of specialists to coordinate reconstructive surgeries and lifelong pain management. Beyond the emergency room visit, victims often face a new reality where their home environment and career path must change forever.
Fighting for one’s rights while pursuing compensation
Following a drunk driving crash, the journey toward healing requires a vision for a sustainable future. However, managing a personal injury claim can be complex and overwhelming. By seeking legal counsel, victims and their families may better fight for their rights and interests as they pursue full and fair compensation.