You may not realize how many drunk drivers are on the road in Gwinnett County and throughout the United States at any given moment. Drunk drivers are inherently dangerous, as they often cause life-altering or deadly crashes. If you are in a crash with a drunk driver, it is important to remember that they may be dangerous after the accident, as well.
Sometimes, you can tell that you may be dealing with an impaired driver by the way they are driving, including swerving, drifting from a lane, driving too fast or too slow, not using lights, and other erratic or illegal behaviors. When you get out of your car after an accident, you may also notice clear signs of intoxication, which can include:
- Slurred speech
- Decreased balance or stumbling
- Watery or bloodshot eyes
- Confusion
- Odor of alcohol
If you notice any signs that a driver may be drunk, know they also may be belligerent. Call 911 right away and, while you wait for police to arrive, be polite and limit your conversation with the driver.
One thing you should never do is blame the driver at the scene of the accident or accuse them of being intoxicated. This will put the driver on the defensive, and they may become aggressive. Avoid discussing fault for the accident until it is time to give your version of events to police officers.
Once the police arrive, they will observe the driver. If they notice signs of impairment, officers may perform a breathalyzer test or roadside sobriety tests. If they determine the driver is impaired, officers should place the driver under arrest. The driver will likely then face criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI). A DUI conviction can serve as important evidence in your civil drunk driving accident claim.
If you do accuse a driver of being drunk after a crash, there is a chance the driver may jump back into their vehicle and flee the scene. Many hit and run accidents occur because a driver was violating the law and wanted to avoid an arrest. Sometimes, a drunk driver will flee even if you say nothing because they know they are obviously over the legal limit. In this situation, remember as much information as possible, including their license plate number (if possible) and the make and model of the vehicle. Our attorneys regularly interview witnesses who can help catch a hit and run driver.
Never think that because a driver goes away in handcuffs, the court will automatically protect your rights as an accident victim. In reality, a criminal DUI case does little to reimburse victims for their losses. Instead, you should always consult with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer who can help you pursue a legal claim and compensation.
Discuss Your Options With Our Gwinnett County Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our personal injury attorneys help accident victims injured by drunk drivers. We know how to hold these dangerous drivers fully liable, so please call 404-418-8244 or contact us online for your free consultation.
