As a driver, you must realize that being able to drive is more a privilege than a right. You must take note of the responsibilities you have when you drive. You have the responsibility to protect your safety as well as the safety of others around you. If you have passengers, you must ensure that you keep them safe as you transport them to their destinations.
Sadly, thousands of people lose their lives because of drunk driving each year. Even though some states changed the legal blood alcohol count of alcohol drinkers to 0.05% to lessen the number of accidents due to drunk driving, accidents related to consuming alcohol are still common. It's also worth noting, you can still obtain insurance policies after being convicted for breaking driving laws. For example, look into similar policies for in10 car insurance or other insurance codes.
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Alcohol has several effects on the body, making it extremely difficult to drive. It is best to avoid getting behind the wheel when intoxicated because:
Alcohol clouds your ability to make a sound judgment. The way you usually think is altered when you drink. You experience overconfidence, and extreme happiness as liquor takes over your body. You lose your rationality, leading you to do things you might regret when you sober up.
Alcohol slows down your reaction time. When driving, it is vital to focus your attention on the road. You need to watch out for the other cars that pass you by. However, when you drink, you tend to slow down. Your capability of reacting fast also slows down. This effect puts you at risk of getting involved in a drunk driving accident.
Alcohol impairs your coordination. Coordination is essential when you drive. Hand-eye coordination is needed so you can get to your destination safely. However, it is difficult for intoxicated drivers to coordinate their senses because of the alcohol in their system. Without proper coordination, you may have problems staying in your lane, avoiding other vehicles, and reading traffic signs.
Alcohol makes you drowsy and dizzy. Drowsiness and dizziness are some of the most common effects of alcohol. You will surely have difficulty in driving when you feel sleepy or when your head is spinning.
Drivers should take the effects of alcohol on the body very seriously. You must be responsible enough to know your limits and to practice precautionary measures to avoid drunk driving.
Legal Things to Consider When Involved in Drunk Driving Accidents
You were out drinking with your friends. Shot after shot, you drank and now you you suddenly feel tipsy. You decide to go home. As alcohol takes over your body and mind, it is already too late. You get into a drunk driving accident. Remember, whenever you are a part of a drunk driving accident, your risk of going to jail increases. For more information, visit here and understand why you should consider these legal actions.
When you find yourself involved in a drunk driving accident, it is best to consider these legal things:
Stay at the scene of the crash. Leaving the accident scene is the last thing you should do unless you need immediate medical assistance. If possible, stay in the accident area so you can wait for the police to arrive.
Misdemeanor hit-and-run. When your crash causes property damage and you leave the scene of the accident, authorities will file a misdemeanor hit-and-run case against you. You might face a year in jail as well as a $1,000 fine.
Felony hit-and-run. When your drunk driving accident caused someone his or her life, and you left the scene, you will face a felony hit-and-run case. Each state has different laws on this type of situation, but the most common penalty is possible jail time and a fine amounting to a minimum of $10,000.
Issuance of your warrant of arrest. Once the police prove you are guilty of the accident and you chose to flee the scene, they will issue you an order for your arrest. The authorities will issue the warrant in your residence or your current location.
Contact the local police. Call the police at once so the accident site can be investigated before it is compromised. They authorities will record and gather evidence from the site. They will also interview you, the other party, and witnesses.
Ask for medical help. Whether your injuries are severe or not, it is best to seek medical assistance. Emergency doctors will assess if your injuries are severe and they will run diagnostic tests to check if you have any fractures, internal bleeding or concussion.
Document evidence. Gathering evidence is important when involved in a drunk driving accident. If you are the negligent party, you still need to take photographs or shoot a video so police can see your side of the story.
Call your insurance company. Inform your insurance provider that you were involved in an accident. However, avoid giving specific details because the company might use this against you. Briefly inform them and wait for your lawyer’s advice on how to speak with them afterwards.
Avoid speaking with the other party. Do not talk with any representative or lawyer from the other party regarding the accident. If they ask you questions, just tell them to speak with your lawyer instead.
Exchange contact information. It is best to exchange information with the other party. Provide them with your name, contact number, driver’s license number, and license plate just in case they need the details to reach you.
Once you have done all you need, you must inform your lawyer of the details of the accident. You may be the negligent party, but your attorney like the one here can help get you a settlement or lessen your sentence.
Frances Bussard
Frances Bussard is a businesswoman and law writer who's equipped with more than 20 years of experience. She writes pieces on various law topics that she hopes could help the common reader with their concerns. Frances always appreciates a good book, and is often reading a new book whenever she has the time.
