If you have been seriously injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver, it’s normal to be angry that they could have avoided it if they hadn’t taken the reckless step of getting behind the wheel when they were in no condition to drive.
If that drunk driver suffered only minor injuries in the crash, that can compound these feelings of anger. They or their insurance company may even try to argue that your injuries aren’t as bad as you’re contending they are, since the other driver didn’t suffer the same level of injuries.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for a drunk or drugged driver to escape from a crash with far less serious injuries than their victims. That’s because sober drivers and passengers are more likely to suffer “deceleration injuries.”
What causes deceleration injuries?
When a person who is unimpaired by alcohol or other substances that act as depressants senses danger like an impending collision (even if only for a split second), their muscles become tense and their body braces for impact. This happens reflexively. A person may hit the brakes, turn the steering wheel, reach over to shield a passenger or simply freeze.
After the collision, the vehicle typically stops suddenly, but the body continues moving (although less so if the occupant is wearing a seat belt or has an airbag for protection). This continued movement can cause damage to organs, the brain, muscles and more.
When the body has tensed up, it has less ability to absorb the energy of the crash, which can lead to more serious injuries than if it hadn’t tensed up. That’s where the drunk driver has an “advantage.”
That drunk driver may have been unaware that they were going to crash. If they were, their body was likely in a more relaxed state, so they didn’t have that tension. The same can be true of a driver under the influence of marijuana, sedatives or other drugs (legal or not) that slow reaction time.
This can help explain why you can’t compare the severity of injuries between a drunk driver and their sober victim(s). What’s also important to remember is that even though that driver is likely facing criminal consequences, you have every right to seek compensation to cover your medical expenses and other costs and damages. Having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.