Everyone knows drunk driving is dangerous, but in Indiana, it remains one of the most common causes of auto accidents that lead to serious injuries and traffic fatalities. 

At Poynter & Bucheri Law Firm, our team of experienced Indiana car accident attorneys specializes in assisting victims of drunk driving accidents across the state in securing the compensation necessary to move forward.

We created this article to help you understand the most common types of injuries and the long-term impact on victims and their families. 

Common Drunk Driving Injuries in Indianapolis

In drunk driving accidents, the types and severity of injuries vary widely from minor bruises to severe physical and emotional trauma to traffic fatalities. Below, we’ll explore the common types of injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents and how they impact victims and their families. 

Contusions and abrasions: These injuries, commonly referred to as bruises and scrapes, occur due to direct contact with hard surfaces or objects during a drunk driving accident. Symptoms include discoloration and minor skin damage, which typically heal within a few weeks with proper care.

Facial injuries: Facial trauma encompasses a range of injuries such as lacerations, fractures, dental trauma, and eye injuries, which can occur from impact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag deployment. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve sutures, dental repairs, or surgery.

Limb injuries: Drunk driving accidents frequently cause fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries to the extremities. These injuries result from the impact or being pinned within the vehicle and may require immobilization, casting, or surgical intervention for recovery.

Neck injuries: Whiplash, cervical spine injuries, and muscle strains are common in drunk driving accidents due to the sudden acceleration-deceleration forces. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Healing often requires physical therapy and pain management, while the most severe injuries require complex surgery.

Back injuries: Back trauma, including spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures, can occur from the force of the collision or being thrown against the seat. Surgery, immobilization, and rehabilitation may be needed to restore function and alleviate pain.

Chest injuries: Impact with the steering wheel or seatbelt can cause rib fractures, lung contusions, and cardiac trauma. Airbag injuries cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cardiac complications, necessitating immediate medical attention and monitoring.

Abdominal injuries: Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can result in organ damage, internal bleeding, and lacerations. These injuries are often severe and require surgical intervention to repair the damage and stabilize the patient.

Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures are prevalent in drunk driving accidents due to the lack of restraint or protective gear. Head injury symptoms range from mild headache and confusion to loss of consciousness and cognitive deficits, necessitating prompt medical evaluation and management.

Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims of drunk driving accidents may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Counseling, support groups, and psychiatric medication can help individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of the trauma.

Burns: Fires or explosions resulting from the crash can cause thermal burns, varying severity depending on the exposure and duration. Treatment involves immediate cooling, wound care, and sometimes surgical intervention for severe cases.

Pelvic injuries: The impact of a collision can cause pelvic fractures and dislocations, causing significant pain and impairing mobility. Treatment may involve immobilization, traction, and surgical stabilization to facilitate healing and prevent long-term complications.

Dental injuries: Impact with the airbag, steering wheel, or dashboard can cause broken teeth or jaw fractures, requiring dental repairs or maxillofacial surgery to restore function and aesthetics.

Traumatic amnesia: Memory loss due to head trauma, known as traumatic amnesia, can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury. Evaluation by a neurologist and cognitive rehabilitation may be necessary to manage cognitive deficits and improve memory function.

Spinal cord injuries: Severe spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site can have profound long-term consequences. Treatment involves stabilization, rehabilitation, and ongoing support to optimize function and quality of life.

Amputations: In severe accidents where limbs are crushed or severed, traumatic amputations may occur, necessitating emergency medical intervention and long-term prosthetic rehabilitation.

Fatal injuries: Tragically, drunk driving accidents can result in fatalities, causing immense grief and loss for families and communities. Prompt medical intervention and accident reconstruction are crucial in understanding the circumstances and preventing future tragedies.

Emotional distress: In addition to physical injuries, victims may experience ongoing emotional distress, including fear of driving or being in vehicles, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Counseling, therapy, and peer support groups can help individuals cope with the psychological impact of the accident.

If You’ve Been Injured, Protect Your Rights with Poynter & Bucheri

Have you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver? You deserve to be fully compensated for your injuries, pain and suffering, and financial loss caused by your injuries. Contact Indianapolis drunk driving accident lawyers, Poynter & Bucheri, for help seeking compensation for the most common drunk driving injuries in Indianapolis.

Our experienced car accident attorneys have a deep understanding of how drunk driving laws relate to personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and build a strong case to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait to seek legal representation after a drunk driving car accident or tragic incident with traffic fatalities. Contact Poynter & Bucheri today for a free case evaluation or call us at 1-800-265-9881.