Let’s start with the obvious: getting into a car accident is never on anyone’s weekend to-do list. You were probably planning to run errands, grab a bite to eat, or cheer on the Tigers—not end up explaining what happened to a highway patrol officer while cradling your elbow and watching a tow truck drag your car away.

But when the person who caused the wreck is under the influence? That’s a whole different level of frustration—and danger.

Unfortunately, intoxicated drivers remain far too common, and the injuries they cause can range from inconvenient to life-altering. So, let’s dive into some of the most common injuries we see after an accident involving an impaired driver.

Whiplash – The “Classic Hit” of Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash is like the greatest hit of car accident injuries. It occurs when your neck gets violently jerked back and forth—kind of like that time your favorite team missed a field goal in overtime, and you flung yourself off the couch in despair.

It’s especially common in rear-end collisions, which intoxicated drivers are exceptionally good at causing. Thanks to slowed reflexes and poor judgment, they often don’t realize the car in front of them has stopped until it’s too late. Whiplash can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even memory problems.

And while whiplash might sound like a minor injury, it can sideline you for weeks or even months. So don’t let the name fool you—it’s not just a sore neck, and it definitely deserves medical (and legal) attention.

Broken Bones – Booze and Brakes Don’t Mix

When a drunk driver is involved, accidents tend to happen at higher speeds or with more force—because let’s face it, their ability to hit the brakes is about as dependable as a mid-Missouri weather forecast.

The result? A lot of broken bones.

From arms and legs to ribs and collarbones, fractures are incredibly common. Seatbelts and airbags save lives, but they don’t always prevent fractures. In fact, the force from an airbag deploying or your body slamming into the seatbelt can cause breaks on its own. So, yes, your seatbelt might break your collarbone—but it also probably saved your life.

We’d argue that’s a fair trade (and your orthopedic doctor would agree).

Head Injuries – Not Just for Football Players

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are sadly common in high-impact crashes, especially when the at-fault driver is intoxicated. These injuries range from concussions to more severe brain trauma.

What makes TBIs especially tricky is that symptoms don’t always show up immediately. You might feel “off” for a few days, or perhaps you’re suddenly more forgetful. If you’ve hit your head in an accident—or even if you think you did—get checked out right away. Your brain is kind of important, and you only get one.

(Lawyer tip: Your brain’s also where you store all the facts about your case, so let’s keep it safe, shall we?)

Back and Spine Injuries – A Real Pain in the… Well, You Know

Drunk drivers don’t exactly specialize in precision, which means high-speed T-bone accidents, rollovers, and head-on collisions are more likely. These types of crashes can lead to serious spinal injuries, herniated discs, or even paralysis in extreme cases.

Even mild back injuries can interfere with work, sleep, and just about everything else in life. And once back pain sets in, it tends to linger longer than your in-laws during the holidays.

If you’ve got shooting pain down your legs or numbness after a crash, it’s time to call a doctor—and maybe your favorite neighborhood attorney (we hear The Hines & Wilson Law Firm is pretty good).

Emotional & Psychological Trauma – The Injuries You Don’t See

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: car accidents involving drunk drivers can leave serious emotional scars. Even if you walk away physically unscathed, anxiety, PTSD, and depression are very real outcomes of traumatic events.

It’s hard to get back behind the wheel after a wreck. It’s hard to sleep. It’s hard to feel safe knowing that someone else’s recklessness upended your routine—or worse.

Mental health injuries are just as valid and serious as physical ones, and they deserve support and compensation too.

So What Now?

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Missouri, here’s what you should do—right after getting medical treatment:

  • Document everything – Photos, medical records, witness statements, the works. Your future self (and your lawyer) will thank you.
  • Don’t accept quick settlements – Insurance companies may try to get you to settle early. Take a deep breath and call a lawyer first.
  • Speak with an attorney – We’ll walk you through your options, deal with the insurance headaches, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Let’s Wrap It Up (Before You Wrap Yourself in a Neck Brace)

Accidents involving intoxicated drivers are scary, painful, and often avoidable. The injuries that result can be complex and long-lasting—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At The Hines & Wilson Law Firm, we combine legal expertise with a people-first approach (and a dash of lawyer charm). We’ve helped clients throughout Columbia find justice and recovery. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash or working through a traumatic brain injury, we’re here to help you heal, hold the responsible party accountable, and get your life back on track.

Because when life hands you an intoxicated-driver-shaped curveball, you need a legal team that knows how to swing back.

Need help after a drunk driving accident? Contact The Hines & Wilson Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll bring the legal muscle—neck brace not included.