A car swerves into your lane as you drive home from work. In an instant, your life changes forever. Drunk driving accidents often cause severe injuries, with orthopedic trauma being widespread. These injuries can alter victims’ lives dramatically, affecting their ability to work, enjoy hobbies and maintain relationships.
What are orthopedic injuries?
Orthopedic injuries, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, affect the musculoskeletal system. In drunk driving accidents, the forceful impact and sudden stop can cause various orthopedic traumas, some with lifelong effects.
While drunk driving accidents can cause numerous types of injuries, three orthopedic injuries occur frequently:
Fractures
Broken bones are a typical result of drunk driving accidents. The force of impact can cause fractures in various parts of the body, but leg, arm and rib fractures are prevalent. These injuries often require surgery, casting and extensive physical therapy. Recovery time varies depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly jerks forward and then backward, causing injury to the neck and upper back. While often associated with rear-end collisions, whiplash can occur in any crash. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches and shoulder pain. Treatment typically involves pain management, physical therapy and sometimes chiropractic care.
Knee injuries
The sudden impact of a drunk driving accident can cause severe knee injuries, including torn ligaments and meniscus damage. These injuries often result from the knee hitting the dashboard or being twisted during the crash. Knee injuries can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. In severe cases, they may lead to chronic pain or mobility issues.
These common orthopedic injuries from drunk driving accidents highlight the devastating consequences of reckless behavior. They serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving.
If you’ve suffered orthopedic injuries due to a drunk driving accident in Charlotte, NC, consider seeking legal advice promptly. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses and lost wages under North Carolina law.
