Why Drunk Driving Can Lead to Car Accidents and Injuries

 Posted on December 22, 2023 in Car Accident

Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense that can have devastating consequences. Every year, there are thousands of car accidents throughout the United States that occur due to drivers operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances that cause impairment. Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries or even wrongful death for people involved, including the occupants of other vehicles, the passengers in a drunk driver’s vehicle, or pedestrians or bicyclists who are struck by drunk drivers. 

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

The use of alcohol or other intoxicating substances impairs a person's ability to safely operate a vehicle. Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, reaction time, and vision – all crucial skills needed for safe driving. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they put themselves and others at risk.

Here are some specific reasons why drunk driving can lead to car accidents:

• Lack of concentration: Alcohol slows down brain function and impairs concentration. This makes it difficult for drivers under the influence to focus on the road ahead and react quickly to potential hazards.

• Poor decision-making: Intoxicated drivers often make poor decisions while driving, such as excessive speeding, running red lights, or making illegal turns. These reckless actions increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.

• Reduced coordination: Alcohol affects motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Impaired drivers may struggle with tasks like steering properly or maintaining a steady speed.

• Drowsiness: Drinking alcohol can also make people feel drowsy or fatigued while they are behind the wheel. Falling asleep while driving is extremely dangerous, and it can easily lead to a collision.

• Inability to judge distance: Depth perception is impaired when under the influence of alcohol, making it challenging for drunk drivers to accurately judge distances between their vehicles and other objects on the road. Issues such as blurred or double vision can also limit a drunk driver’s ability to see the road and react to other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles.

These factors, combined with impaired judgment and slower reaction times, significantly increase the risk of car accidents when someone chooses to drive while intoxicated.

The Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Innocent victims who are involved in these accidents can suffer from:

• Broken bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body.

• Head injuries: Blows to the head are common in high-impact collisions. This can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s cognitive function and overall quality of life.

• Spinal cord injuries: Severe accidents may lead to spinal cord damage, which may lead to partial paralysis or total loss of sensation below the injury site.

• Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, twisted metal, or flying debris can cause deep cuts that require immediate medical attention.

• Burns: If a vehicle catches fire during an accident, victims may sustain burn injuries that range from minor to life-threatening.

In addition to physical harm, victims may also experience emotional trauma following a drunk driving accident. They may develop anxiety disorders, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can have a significant impact on a victim’s quality of life.

Contact Our Frisco Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

After being injured in a car wreck caused by a drunk driver, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Burress Injury Law, Our McKinney DWI accident lawyers understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve from drunk drivers.

Contact us at 214-726-0016 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers. During this consultation, we will review your case and provide guidance on the best course of action. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any fees unless we win your case. Do not let the negligence of a drunk driver go unpunished. We will provide you with experienced legal representation and fight for the justice you deserve.