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Types of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often look like other car accidents. The difference is they happen due to someone who was intoxicated, and that typically means that victims deserve compensation without presenting any further evidence of negligence.

That said, in some cases, drunk driving accidents are more serious than others because drunk drivers have slower reaction times and may not take steps to slow down or try to avoid a direct collision. Some common types of drunk driving accidents include the following:

Head-On Collisions

One of the most severe and deadly types of drunk driving accidents is the head-on collision. This occurs when a drunk driver veers into oncoming traffic and crashes into another vehicle. In many cases, these incidents occur because drunk drivers get on the wrong ramp on a highway or drive on the wrong side of the road.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents involving a drunk driver often happen when the impaired driver fails to stop or slow down in time, colliding with the vehicle in front of them. These accidents can result in whiplash, back injuries, and other physical harm to the occupants of the impacted vehicle.

Sideswipe Crashes

Sideswipe crashes occur when a drunk driver makes contact with the side of another vehicle while changing lanes or attempting to pass. These accidents can cause a loss of control, leading to more extensive collisions or even rollovers.

T-Bone or Intersection Collisions

Drunk drivers may ignore traffic signals or fail to yield the right of way at intersections, leading to T-bone collisions. These accidents involve one vehicle striking the side of another, often at high speeds. Victims in the impacted vehicle can suffer severe injuries, particularly if the collision occurs on the driver’s side.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Not all drunk driving accidents involve multiple vehicles. Impaired drivers are also at risk of causing single-vehicle accidents, such as running off the road, hitting a tree, or flipping their vehicle. Even in these cases, innocent bystanders or passengers can suffer injuries.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Drunk drivers can pose a threat not only to other vehicles but also to pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road. These vulnerable road users are at a higher risk of severe injuries or fatalities when struck by an impaired driver.