breathalyzer, car key, and beer

What Should I Do if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Under the Influence of Alcohol?

Despite initiatives to reduce drunk driving, these accidents unfortunately still occur and frequently result in catastrophic consequences to others. It is imperative to understand the impact alcohol can have on a person and their ability to drive, especially if you have reason to believe you are the victim of a collision caused by a drunk driver. The following blog explores how alcohol affects the brain and body and why it is in your best interest to connect with our Irvine car accident lawyers if you believe alcohol played a role in the collision you were involved in.

What Impact Does Alcohol Have on Drivers?

Alcohol is a depressant that impacts many areas of the body and brain when consumed. Typically, when someone is under the influence, their movements become slower and more erratic. In many instances, drivers may feel overly confident as a result of intoxication. This can lead them to believe they are capable of safely driving home. However, they may still experience the following:

  • Blurry or doubled vision
  • Slower reaction time
  • Reduced cognitive ability
  • Drowsiness
  • Altered judgment

Because of these factors, it is not uncommon for those driving under the influence to cause accidents. They may misjudge the speed of an approaching vehicle, veer into other lanes, fail to obey road signs, or even fall asleep behind the wheel, causing a collision.

What Should I Do if I Believe Alcohol Played a Role in My Collision?

If you have reason to believe the driver responsible for the collision is under the influence of alcohol, it is important to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself. Regardless of the circumstances, the first thing you should do is call 911 to report the accident and request police and emergency medical technicians. Inform the operator that you believe the other driver is under the influence. When the police arrive at the scene, they will assess the other driver to determine if it is necessary to perform a breathalyzer test. If the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol, it may significantly improve your chances of qualifying for compensation.

Though this may seem straightforward, it is always in your best interest to enlist the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Being the victim in a drunk driving accident can have severe impacts on your life. Having a lawyer who will fight to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions is vital.

At California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, our team will examine the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action. If you have been hurt, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.

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