The leading cause of death among Americans aged 34 and under is car accidents. In fact, on average about 28 people die every day in car accidents that involve drivers who are under the influence of alcohol.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Georgia as well as in other states. However, the penalties for DUI vary from state to state. DUI accidents often result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers
The CDC estimates that there is a death every 45 minutes related to accidents caused by drunk drivers. The victims who are lucky enough to escape with their lives may suffer serious non-fatal injuries including:
- Broken bones
It is not uncommon for car accident victims to suffer broken bones. While some victims heal completely over time, others suffer permanent disabilities as a result of the injuries.
Frequent broken bones caused by car accidents include:
- Broken ankles
- Broken legs
- Broken hips
- Broken pelvis
- Broken hands
- Broken arms
- Broken shoulder bones
- Broken ribs and other chest injuries
- Whiplash
Many people involved in car accidents suffer whiplash. This type of injury occurs when the neck is snapped back and forth with great force. It can result in serious pain as well as other complications if it is not treated in good time.
- Traumatic brain injuries
Car accidents are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can cause great suffering not only to the victim but also to loved ones of the victim. TBIs can result in serious impairment and sometimes even death. Over 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries every year. Four percent of those diagnosed end up dying from complications related to their injuries.
- Back and spinal injuries
Back injuries are also common in car accidents caused by drunk drivers. These injuries can result in serious impairments, especially where the spinal cord has been injured. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis including both paraplegia and quadraplegia. This can cause the victim to lose his ability to work and his family to lose its primary source of income.
- Scars and disfigurements
Many victims suffer bruises as a result of the accidents. However, some may suffer permanent scars and disfiguring injuries. While these injuries may not be considered a disability, they are a cause for pain and suffering to the victim whose life will be permanently altered as a result.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries caused by drunk drivers, including a traumatic brain injury or a serious spinal cord injury in the Atlanta metro area, please contact attorney Laurie Robbins to schedule your free consultation. We represent people seriously injured by drunk drivers in Sandy Springs, Atlanta and throughout Georgia.