Drunk Driving: Its Legal Impact On Drivers And Other Road Users
The law prefers very tough penalties for motorists who drive under drugs and alcohol influence. But unfortunately, many motorists still engage in the vice, killing thousands of innocent drivers, motorcycle riders, pedestrians, and other road users every year. Therefore, as a responsible driver, you should avoid such situations by all means possible.
Besides that, it's advisable to learn the legal steps to take when involved in a collision caused by an intoxicated driver. With that in mind, this article shares valuable facts about driving under the influence every road user should know.
How Drinking Before Driving Affects a Motorist
Excess alcohol when driving affects the brain, compromising the driver's driving ability. For instance, an intoxicated motorist will take a long time to make decisions after encountering an emergency. Alcohol also affects muscle coordination, making it hard to control the vehicle properly, especially when driving on a wet road. Worst of all, drugs and alcohol can elicit a desire to drive above the recommended speed limit and violate traffic laws.
The Types of Car Crashes Caused by Drunk Driving
Drunk driving can cause T-bone accidents, rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, and vehicle rollovers. The risk of getting involved in these accidents increases when driving in harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice. Intoxicated drivers face challenges when navigating their vehicles on slippery roads. As a result, they can easily hit other vehicles, pedestrians, and structures installed beside the road.
Measures to Take After a Drunken Driving Collision
If you experience a car crash caused by a motorist driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should immediately contact the law enforcers. They will conduct investigations to verify the allegations against the wrongdoer. That includes conducting a series of tests to determine whether the alcohol content of the intoxicated motorist exceeds the recommended limit.
The police prefer charges against drivers who fail a sobriety test. Victims that sustain injuries in drunken-driving accidents can also sue the negligent driver, enabling them to get a settlement equivalent to the damages caused by the collision.
Contact a DUI lawyer immediately if you get involved in a collision with an intoxicated driver. They will investigate the accident to enable you to prove that the faulty driver was careless on the road. Your legal advisor will then negotiate with the insurance company, ensuring that you get an acceptable payment. However, if the negotiations fail, your attorney might suggest filing a lawsuit in court, as this would guarantee a favorable outcome.
For more information, contact a law firm that offers DUI law services.