Drunk driving crashes happen everywhere, but some cities have it worse than others. Our recent report,” 75 U.S. Cities with the Highest Rate of Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents," identifies the areas most affected by deadly impaired driving crashes, highlighting the frequency of these types of accidents. Cities with the highest rates of fatal drunk driving accidents include:
- Odessa, TX – This city has 31 fatal drunk driving crashes and a death rate of 27.46 per 100,000 residents—one of the worst in the country.
- Chattanooga, TN – With 25 fatal crashes and a death rate of 13.58 per 100,000 residents, drunk driving is a huge problem here.
- Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville had 126 fatal drunk driving crashes, with a rate of 12.97 per 100,000 residents.
- Detroit, MI – Drunk driving in Detroit led to 82 fatal crashes, with a death rate of 13.22 per 100,000 residents.
These numbers are scary, but they don’t have to stay this way. More police checkpoints, safer transportation options, and smarter choices could help prevent drunk driving deaths in these cities.
The Reality of Drunk Driving Injuries
For the people who survive these crashes, the road to recovery can be expensive and life-altering. In this guide below, we provide a helpful overview of what you should do if you sustain an injury in a drunk driving accident.
From broken bones to brain injuries, the impact of a drunk driving crash can change everything in an instant. Let’s talk about the most common injuries victims face, why they happen so often, and what you can do if you or someone you love is hurt in a drunk driving accident.
When a drunk driver gets behind the wheel, they put everyone at risk. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor coordination, and often drive at dangerous speeds—all of which make crashes more severe. Unlike minor fender benders, these accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries. Here are the most common ones:
1. Broken Bones and Fractures
One of the most common injuries in drunk driving crashes is broken bones. The force of a collision can cause arms, legs, ribs, and even facial bones to fracture. Some breaks are minor and heal with time, but others require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
Why it happens:
- High-speed crashes may increase the risk of severe fractures.
- Airbags and seat belts help, but they can’t always prevent bone injuries.
- Pedestrians and cyclists hit by drunk drivers often suffer multiple fractures.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of drunk driving crashes. When the head hits a steering wheel, dashboard, or pavement, the brain can suffer serious damage. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range from mild concussions to severe, permanent brain damage.
Signs of a TBI:
- Headaches that won’t go away
- Dizziness or confusion
- Memory problems or trouble focusing
- Mood changes or personality shifts
Why it happens:
- Drunk driving crashes often happen at high speeds, increasing the force of impact.
- Victims may be ejected from the vehicle or thrown forward suddenly.
- Even minor head trauma can lead to long-term cognitive problems.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The spine is incredibly strong, but it isn’t built to withstand the violent impact of a car crash. Drunk driving accidents can cause severe spinal cord damage, sometimes leading to partial or full paralysis.
Types of spinal cord injuries:
- Herniated Discs: When the soft tissue between the vertebrae gets pushed out of place, causing pain and mobility issues.
- Fractured Vertebrae: A break in the spine that can damage nerves and limit movement.
- Paralysis: In severe cases, victims lose the ability to move certain parts of their body.
Why it happens:
- Rollovers and high-impact crashes put extreme force on the spine.
- Whiplash-like movements can stretch or tear spinal nerves.
- Seat belts help, but they can’t always prevent spinal trauma.
4. Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Not all injuries are visible. In serious drunk driving crashes, victims may suffer internal bleeding or damage to major organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery.
Why it happens:
- The sheer force of impact can rupture organs or cause bleeding inside the body.
- Seat belts, while life-saving, can press against the body and cause internal injuries in high-speed crashes.
- Many internal injuries aren’t immediately noticeable, which makes them especially dangerous.
5. Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents, and it happens when the head jerks forward and then snaps back quickly. While whiplash might not seem serious at first, it can cause lasting pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Difficulty moving the neck
Why it happens:
- Sudden impact forces the head and neck into unnatural positions.
- Even at lower speeds, whiplash can cause muscle and ligament damage.
- In severe cases, it can lead to chronic pain and nerve issues.
6. Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Injuries
Not all injuries require surgery, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t painful. Many drunk driving accident victims suffer deep cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries that can take weeks or months to heal.
Common soft tissue injuries:
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Deep bruising from seat belts or airbag deployment
- Lacerations from broken glass or metal
Why it happens:
- Airbags, while designed to save lives, can cause burns and bruises upon deployment.
- Shattered glass and flying debris can cause deep cuts.
- Seat belts hold the body in place but can still cause bruising in high-impact crashes.
What Can You Do If a Drunk Driver Hurts You?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crash, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain can make recovery feel impossible—but you have legal options.
Steps to take after a drunk driving accident:
- Get medical help immediately. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document everything. Take pictures of your injuries, the crash scene, and any vehicle damage.
- Talk to a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Follow up on treatment. Some injuries, especially brain and spinal injuries, need long-term care. Stick to your doctor’s recommendations.
Let van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Help You Move Forward After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to take action. You deserve justice.
If a drunk driver has changed your life, you have the right to seek compensation. Contact an experienced attorney from van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today to learn how you can get the support you need to move forward. Our number is 215-486-0123. We represent clients in Philadelphia, Allentown, Fountain Hill and throughout the Lehigh Valley area.