How Does Drunk Driving Cause Accidents?

How Does Drunk Driving Cause Accidents?

Drunk driving causes car accidents due to the impairment of motor skills, judgment, and reaction time. These essential skills are necessary for safe driving, and when impaired, they can lead to devastating consequences.

Whether the result of social drinking or problem use, understanding the factors that played a role in your car accident can provide valuable insight into how much you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

The drunk driving accident lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices are dedicated to helping accident survivors and their families obtain maximum financial support after an injury causing crash.

This learning resource is designed to provide valuable information about how drunk driving can cause car accidents and the legal rights of those who have been injured in these types of collisions.

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What Types of Car Accidents Can A Drunk Driver Cause?

Those driving under the influence of alcohol can cause a wide range of car accidents, including but not limited to:

• Rear-end collisions: Impaired judgment and reaction time can make it difficult for drunk drivers to stop in time to avoid rear-ending another vehicle.
• Head-on collisions: Drunk drivers may cross into oncoming traffic lanes or drive the wrong way on a one-way street, resulting in head-on collisions.
• Intersection accidents: Alcohol impairment can lead to running red lights or stop signs, causing serious accidents at intersections.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Intoxicated drivers may not see pedestrians or bicyclists on the road, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Sideswipe accidents: Impaired drivers may have difficulty staying in their own lane, resulting in sideswipe collisions with other vehicles.
• T-bone collisions: Drunk drivers may fail to yield at intersections, causing T-bone accidents.

In all these collisions, the common factor is alcohol impairing the driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. As a result of their impairment, they may violate traffic laws or make careless decisions that put other drivers and pedestrians at risk.

How Much Alcohol is Considered Drunk Driving?

The truth is that any amount of alcohol can impair a person's driving ability, but it is usually measured by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. In most states, including New York, the legal limit for BAC while operating a vehicle is 0.08 percent.

However, just because the legal limit is 0.08 percent does not mean it is safe to drive at that level. Under New York law, motorists can still be found liable for “common law DWI” even in the absence of a BAC reading. Depending on factors such as weight, gender, and age, even lower BAC levels can lead to impairment and increase the risk of car accidents.

When a driver has a BAC level above the legal limit, it is clear that they were engaging in drunk driving, and this can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. It can also be a potential basis for punitive damages. This can help bolster a claim for compensation to cover accident-related injuries or death.

What Makes Drunk Driving So Dangerous?

Alcohol affects the brain and body in multiple ways, making it particularly dangerous to operate a vehicle while under its influence. The most significant impairments caused by alcohol include:

• Reduced reaction time: Alcohol slows down reflexes and response times, making it difficult for drivers to react quickly in emergency situations.
• Impaired judgment: Alcohol can cause people to make rash or careless decisions, such as speeding or running red lights.
• Vision impairment: Alcohol can affect a person's vision, making it difficult to see clearly or judge distance accurately.
• Drowsiness: Drinking alcohol can make a person feel sleepy or drowsy, increasing the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.

Additionally, alcohol can also impair motor skills and coordination, making it difficult for drivers to control their vehicle properly. These combined effects make drunk driving one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road, putting not only the impaired driver at risk but also all other drivers and pedestrians.

How Do I Know If the Other Driver Was Drunk At the Time of the Accident?

When an accident occurs that causes injuries, death, or property damages, police must be called to the scene. While this can feel overwhelming and frustrating, it can also be a key piece of evidence needed to establish the other driver's impairment at the time of the accident.

When police arrive on the scene, they will look for signs of impaired driving and administer a variety of tests to show that the driver was under the influence. These tests may include:

• Field sobriety tests: Officers may ask the driver to perform various balance and coordination exercises, such as standing on one foot or walking in a straight line.
• Breathalyzer test: This device measures BAC levels by testing a person's breath for alcohol content.
• Blood test: If a breathalyzer is not available or inconclusive, blood may be drawn to test for alcohol levels.

Data from these tests are included in the police report, which can be used as evidence in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Furthermore, if the driver is arrested and charged with DUI, this can also serve as evidence of their impairment at the time of the accident.

Other signs that you may have been in a collision with a drunk driver include:

• The smell of alcohol on the other driver's breath
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking coherently
• Open containers of alcohol in the vehicle
• Erratic driving behavior, such as swerving or erratic lane changes

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to mention them to the police and include them in your statement. This information can help support your claim for compensation.

What Injuries Do Drunk Driving Accidents Cause?

The catastrophic injuries (and potentially life-threatening consequences) of drunk driving accidents make it essential to hold impaired drivers accountable for their actions. The most serious injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These are caused by a severe blow or jolt to the head, often resulting in long-term cognitive and physical impairments. 
• Spinal cord injuries: Common in high-speed collisions or those involving impaired truck drivers, spinal cord injuries can cause full or partial paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
• Broken bones: The impact of a drunk driving accident can cause severe fractures and breaks, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. 
• Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other serious injuries. These injuries often require emergency surgery and ongoing medical treatment that requires years of rehabilitation and lifetime medical costs.
• Emotional trauma: Being involved in a drunk driving accident can have lasting psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues may require therapy or medication to manage, adding another layer of expenses for injured parties.

Depending on the location and severity of the accident, other injuries, such as burns, lacerations, and loss of limbs, can also occur. 

No matter the type of injury sustained, seeking the assistance of a drunk driving accident lawyer can prove invaluable in obtaining the compensation needed to cover damages and losses sustained.

How Much Is A Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?

There is no set standard for the value of these cases. However, a lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation may be available during a free case evaluation. 

Often, survivors or surviving family members are entitled to some or all of the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Home modifications to accommodate medical needs
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation awarded will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of injuries, impact on daily life, and evidence presented. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help evaluate your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer After A Drunk Driving Accident?

Experienced legal professionals adept at handling DUI accident cases can prove invaluable to those suffering from accident injuries or the death of a loved one in the following ways: 

• Investigating the accident: A lawyer can help gather evidence and put in the legal footwork to help support a claim for compensation. This is a great help for those too injured to leave their homes or too overwhelmed to take on the process themselves.
• Meeting filing deadlines: New York has a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. A lawyer can help file paperwork within the required timeframe. 
• Negotiating with insurance companies: An experienced lawyer can help combat false narratives or unscrupulous claims to ensure that you receive compensation that matches the full extent of your injuries and losses.
• Representation in court: When insurance companies are unwilling to provide a fair settlement or a driver has inadequate insurance to cover damages, a drunk driving accident attorney can help take the case to court and fight for your rights. 

Considering how devastating these accidents can be, a lawyer also proves helpful in providing the guidance and support needed to see a case through to its rightful conclusion. By seeking legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that an experienced professional is fighting for your best interests.

How Can I Help My Drunk Driving Accident Case Be Successful?

While a lawyer can be instrumental in recovering compensation for damages and losses, there are a few things you can do after these accidents to help strengthen your case:

• Seek follow-up medical care: Not all accident injuries are immediately apparent. While on-scene paramedic care may have addressed some of the most pressing health issues, it is important to seek follow-up medical care to diagnose and document any further injuries that may have gone unnoticed.
• Do not post about the accident or injuries on social media: Insurance adjusters can use social media posts against you in court. It is best to avoid posting anything related to the case until it is resolved.
• Forward all communications to your lawyer: Any correspondence from insurance companies or other parties involved should be forwarded to your lawyer. This keeps injured parties from being taken advantage of with low-ball offers or being denied compensation due to inadvertent statements of fault.

If you are ever in doubt about how to handle a situation after a drunk driving accident, consult with a lawyer for guidance. They can help you navigate the aftermath of these traumatic events and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Contact A Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer From The William Mattar Law Offices Today

If alcohol impairment caused your accident injuries or the death of a loved one, do not hesitate to seek legal help.

At the Law Offices of William Mattar, our dedicated team has years of experience handling drunk driving accident cases and will advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you on your journey towards justice and recovery.

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