The safety of motorists on the roadway is often threatened by the unpredictability and poor judgment of an impaired driver. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the dangerous effects that driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol have on the general public. As little as one alcoholic drink can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle with the expected standard of care necessary to avoid endangering others. Though accidents caused by impaired drivers can happen to anyone, certain groups, such as young people or those with a history of DWIs, tend to be at a higher risk of being involved in one.
Laws exist to reduce the number of incidents of car accidents caused by impaired driving. Despite these laws, however, personal injuries and fatalities continue to occur. With the stricter enforcement of laws already in place and the cooperation of motorists to uphold their duty to drive with reasonable care, roadway safety would likely improve.
Driving while under the influence increases the overall chance the driver will be involved in a hit and run, head-on collision or other serious auto accident that could result in the physical injury of other motorists, passengers or pedestrians. Car accident victims will likely face mounting medical expenses and pain and suffering and may want to obtain legal representation in order to seek compensation for losses incurred due to the accident. This will require the victim to possess proof that indicates the negligent behavior of the other party.
If an impaired driver caused an accident that harmed someone else, the victim may want to contact a lawyer experienced in personal injury law. The lawyer will take the steps necessary negotiate any entitled compensation on behalf of the victim.
