If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver, it can be frustrating (to put it mildly) to learn that the drunk driver responsible for the harm at issue escaped with only minor injuries. That’s not an uncommon scenario.
In fact, there’s a reason for this kind of behavior that is impacted by how the human body reacts to an impending crash – and how alcohol affects that reaction.
Understanding deceleration injuries
When people perceive that a crash is imminent, they typically automatically brace for impact. Their muscles constrict and their body tenses up. A driver may quickly grab onto the steering wheel and make a sudden shift or turn to try to avoid the other vehicle. Passengers may grab a door handle or whatever they can reach to steady themselves.
If they’re under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs (whether they’re illegal, prescription or over-the-counter ones), however, their reactions are slowed. They may not even realize that they’re about to crash. Therefore, their bodies aren’t as tense as they would be if they weren’t impaired. That means they’re less likely to suffer “deceleration” injuries.
A deceleration injury is defined as an “impact injury to a body within or upon a rapidly moving object caused by the forces exerted when the object is brought to a sudden halt.” When a person’s body tenses up, it’s harder for it to absorb the energy caused by sudden deceleration that typically occurs in a crash. That makes it more likely for injuries to occur. Drunk drivers, because they are typically less likely to tense up, are also less likely to suffer deceleration injuries than sober motorists are.
Deceleration injuries and falls
This series of events also influence the reality that many people who fall when they’re drunk generally don’t suffer the same severity of injuries as people who fall when they’re unimpaired. You may have a friend or loved one who fell frequently when they drank heavily but never was seriously injured. Then in their first trip- or slip-and-fall accident after they got sober, they suffered a serious injury. They were likely aware they were about to fall and tensed up or unsuccessfully tried to hold onto something to prevent their fall.
While drunk and drugged drivers who cause collisions can suffer serious criminal penalties, it’s important to know that they can also be held civilly liable. This can help victims or surviving loved ones seek needed compensation. It’s wise to get legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your rights to any damages that you are rightfully owed by a relatively unscathed drunk driver.