What Types of Accidents Are Caused by Drunk Drivers? There are several ways a person can be impaired behind the wheel, but today’s focus is on alcohol specifically. The reason drunk driving accidents happen is that alcohol significantly reduces brain function. It causes a driver to have impaired reasoning and muscle coordination. Logic is also affected.

Many drivers are under the impression that they can drive while intoxicated. The reality is they cannot, and there are innocent victims on the road who will suffer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one person dies from a drunk driving accident every 52 minutes. That equals 28 people per day losing their lives because someone chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. All it takes is a smidge of alcohol for a person to become unable to drive. If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact our Knoxville car accident attorney.

Risk factors for drunk driving

There are several risk factors to consider related to drunk driving accidents. An accident is worse if the person is driving at night. Driving at night requires more coordination and attention. There is less light, and it can be challenging to see without the addition of alcohol.

Another risk factor is age. Teens and young adults drive recklessly without impairment. When they also consume alcohol, this causes them to take more risks on the road. Most drunk driving accidents (27%) were caused by drivers between 21-24 years of age. Men were also found to participate in drunk driving more than women.

Common types of drunk driving accidents in Knoxville

Drunk driving is very dangerous because alcohol affects the brain and nervous system. Many drivers fall asleep at the wheel or lose control of the car. There is a range of ways that a drunk driver can cause an accident, including:

  • Head-on collisions: When a drunk driver drifts into another lane into oncoming traffic, it results in a head-on collision. These are the deadliest car accidents due to the force of the two vehicles striking each other. Since the two cars are traveling in opposite directions, typically at a high rate of speed, there is an intense and resounding force that will travel through both vehicles.
  • Rear-end collisions: Alcohol causes a driver to have impaired vision. Their inability to determine where objects are, especially other vehicles, causes rear-end crashes. They will also not be able to adequately predict how much space they need or when to stop.
  • Pedestrian accidents: Inebriated drivers have difficulty seeing other cars and an even harder time seeing pedestrians. Pedestrians do not even see the car coming when they are suddenly on the floor in immense pain. A pedestrian accident results in tragedy or catastrophic injury.
  • Wrong-way crashes: An inebriated driver cannot read road signs which means they do not know whether they are traveling in the right direction. Not only do drivers travel in the wrong direction, but they also go down highway exits and one-way streets. This negligence can lead to a head-on collision and can even cause other drivers to get into accidents trying to avoid the driver.

Regardless of why your accident occurred, you will need a Knoxville drunk driving accident attorney on your side.

What types of injuries are caused by drunk driving accidents in Knoxville?

An intoxicated driver who causes a drunk driving accident will leave victims with devastating injuries. Drunk drivers may also sustain serious injury from the accident, but it is others who are most likely to be hurt. There will be medical treatment, permanent damage, and various other effects. Victims will now have medical bills and ongoing medical treatment.

An injury can also result in chronic pain and the inability to work. Some common injuries from drunk driving accidents include:

It is crucial to seek a medical evaluation after an accident, as some injuries have delayed symptoms. You may be unsure of the extent of your injuries until days or a week later when the adrenaline and shock wear off. Obtain a medical examination immediately following an accident.

Do I need a lawyer after a drunk driving accident?

If you are struck by a drunk driver, you can use your insurance policy. Although you will also have other rights that go beyond your insurance policy. These options are essential as catastrophic injuries require higher treatment costs that will max out your insurance policy limits. You will need to file a personal injury claim. A Knoxville drunk driving accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. We will:

  • Gather evidence
  • Obtain medical bills
  • Ensure you obtain adequate medical care
  • Calculate the total damages you have suffered and will suffer

There are various types of compensation you are entitled to after a drunk driving accident. You are entitled to:

  • Recovery of medical bills and reasonable compensation for future medical costs
  • Lost wage benefits
  • Pain and suffering

Drunk driving accidents also have punitive damages available. These damages are meant to punish a person who was grossly negligent in their actions leading to an accident. The amount you are entitled to will vary. The details of your case will be the determining factor in how much compensation you can recover. You will need a competent Knoxville car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.

Depending on individual factors and driving history, a drunk driver will face misdemeanor charges or felony charges. They will face fines, incarceration, and lose their license. In addition, there are steep legal fines. The court can also require drivers to install ignition interlock devices. The driver will be responsible for paying fees associated with installing this device. Call the office of Banks & Jones at 865-546-2141, or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation.