When people decide to drive while they’re drunk, they endanger everyone on the road. They’re risking possibly crashing into other people, cars, or fixed objects. Drunk driving is a poor snap decision that can have dire consequences. If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking legal aid can set you on the road to recovery.
As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you have legal options. By contacting a Lexington car accident lawyer from the Law Office of Todd W. Burris, you can find out what those options are and how we can help you recover. By reaching out to us, you’ll have someone by your side to answer your questions and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that about 29 people die every day in crashes involving drunk drivers. They also list how alcohol affects people as their blood alcohol content (BAC) goes past the legal limit and how it changes your ability to drive.
- BAC of .08: This is the legal limit to drive in the U.S. But even at this point, your muscle coordination decreases, as does reaction time and judgment. It’s more difficult to concentrate, control speed, and recognize driving cues like turning signals.
- BAC of .10: At this point, your control and coordination are poor. When driving, it’s difficult to remain in the correct driving lane and brake in time when you need to stop.
- BAC of .15: When you have this level, it’s difficult to walk, you may get sick, and you’re in no condition to operate a vehicle. You can barely process visual and auditory information at a rate where you can drive.
What Should You Do After a Drunk Driver Hits You?
An accident can be a traumatizing experience but knowing what to do can help you get through it. After the initial shock of the accident passes, do the following so you can ensure your safety and help your future car accident claim.
- Get Medical Assistance. If you or anyone needs a hospital, call an ambulance immediately.
- Call Police. Even if people don’t have major injuries, call the police so you can report the accident.
- Get Information. You’re going to need the name, phone number, and insurance policies of the other party or parties in the crash. Make sure to get the make, model and Vehicle Identification Number of the cars.
- Collect Evidence. If possible, start to gather evidence for your claim. Photographs of the accident scene and of the damages to your car will document the incident. Eyewitnesses can also provide their account of the accident.
After an accident, you may feel like apologizing even though the accident wasn’t your fault, out of politeness. Be careful about doing this. You shouldn’t apologize to the police, the other party in the accident, or anyone from the insurance company if they contact you. This apology can be used against you later because it sounds like you’re admitting fault for the accident. You could possibly not get full compensation for your injuries.
