DUI cases are on the rise. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report showed that 1 in 121 licensed drivers were arrested for DUI-related cases in 2019 alone.
Driving under the influence is never a wise decision. It’s illegal and can lead to severe accidents. If you’re involved in a DUI accident, you could suffer everything from minor injuries to devastating property damage. In worst-case scenarios, you can even be killed.
That’s why it’s so important always to drive sober and never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. If you find yourself in a DUI accident, here are some of the damages you could suffer.
Types of Damages You Can Suffer in a DUI Accident
Drivers who get arrested for driving under the influence might get charged. The penalties include jail time, a revoked license, and fines paid to the government.
Also, you may not receive compensation for the accident. Instead, you might be made to pay damages to affected persons.
Nonetheless, here are some of the damages you can suffer in a DUI accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are the most common types of damage, and victims can end up with broken bones, internal organ damage, burnt skin, and brain injuries. As expected with vehicle accidents, the physical damage to the victim’s body can be life-ending.
The pain also goes beyond the physical; victims of DUI accidents also suffer lots of emotional and psychological distress.
Lost Wages
It’s almost impossible to return to your everyday life after a DUI crash. Your whole world changes; an injured person can’t work, and you won’t get paid if you don’t work. The time taken to recuperate from your injuries will see you lose weeks and probably months of wages.
Funds for Emergency Treatment and Medical Expenses
A DUI accident’s aftermath involves injuries that require medical care. You’ll most likely pay for the emergency treatment you’ll receive as the injured one.
Even after your discharge from the hospital, you’ll still need to pay for future checkups and follow-up care.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to the growing number of drunk driving cases, DUI accidents are on the rise. Videos from CNN newsource affiliates will give you a glimpse of the many dangers involved. Knowing the damages you can suffer after a DUI accident depicts how dangerous driving under the influence can be.
The damages listed here are just some of the setbacks you can suffer after a DUI accident. If you’re charged with a DUI case, contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible, they are your best defense.
FAQs
What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?
When you or your loved one is involved in a DUI accident, the first thing to do is seek medical attention. Ensure you write down the injuries suffered and their expenses, even if they’re minor injuries.
Can I Take Pictures or Videos at the Scene of a DUI Accident?
It’s always a good idea to document the scene of an accident, especially if you suspect that the other driver may have been driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. DUI damages can be extensive, and documenting the scene can help you recover the full extent of your losses.