Statistics indicate that about 23 percent of premature deaths in Gwinnett County occurred due to alcohol-related vehicle crashes. This is a shocking number, and it means that a drunk driving accident could happen to you. Because of the risks of severe injuries and death, you should also stay vigilant and know that signs that a driver might be drunk.
Intoxication Indicators
Everyone makes mistakes on the road at some point, even when they are completely sober. However, sometimes, there can be indicators that a driver is not simply making a mistake, but that they cannot stay in control of their vehicle. The following are some signs that a driver may be drunk:
- Swerving in and out of their lane
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way road or highway
- Excessive speeding
- Driving too slow
- Not using headlights
- Erratic movements of the vehicle
- Not moving from a stoplight or stop sign
If you see a driver who is operating their vehicle dangerously and you believe they may be drunk, you should contact the local police. Steer clear from the driver just in case they cause a crash.
After a Drunk Driving Crash
If a driver does crash into your car, always look for signs of intoxication right afterward. Some signs include:
- Blurred or watery eyes
- Slurred speech
- Lack of balance or stumbling
- The odor of alcohol
- Alcohol containers visible in the care
If the driver seems drunk, you should stay in your car and call 911 right away. If the driver knows the police are coming, they may be tempted to flee the scene to avoid an arrest and Georgia DUI charges.
Some drunk drivers may be belligerent or aggressive, so you should never confront them at the scene of the accident. If you or someone in your vehicle needs medical attention, you should ensure you receive the appropriate medical care. Once the police arrive, you can tell them that you suspect the driver is drunk if they have not yet noticed. Police officers can then conduct field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests to determine whether they should arrest the driver.
If police arrest the driver, you need to protect your legal rights. If you suffered injuries, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Once your treatment is underway, contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss the next steps.
A lawyer can help you file an insurance claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company. If the driver will not admit fault, we can use any DUI convictions as proof of their misconduct. If the insurance company will not cover all your losses, we can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against the drunk driver.
After a Drunk Driving Accident, Call Our Gwinnett County Car Accident Lawyers
The car accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC hold drunk drivers liable for the harm they caused to our clients. If you would like to discuss your injuries, contact us online or call 404-418-8244 for a free case evaluation today.
