Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things an individual can do. Alcohol inhibits your reaction time, your perception of your environment, and your judgment. An individual who drives drunk not only puts him- or herself at risk, he or she also puts other drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians at risk of being injured or killed in a collision. This is why it is illegal to drink and drive. In Texas and throughout the United States, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher.
Despite the danger and possibility of being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), many individuals still choose to drive drunk. In 2013, 99,195 Texas drivers were arrested for DWI and 71,030 were convicted. 1,337 victims were killed by drunk drivers that year. If you are involved in a collision with a drunk driver, you can potentially face significant damages. Speak with an experienced Austin personal injury attorney to learn more about filing a personal injury claim to recover compensation for these damages.
Preventing DWI Collisions
Although you can choose not to drink and drive, you cannot control the choices other drivers make. What you can do is try to avoid drunk drivers if you see them on the road and report them.
Because alcohol inhibits one’s perception, drunk drivers often cannot keep their vehicles within the painted lines on the road. If you see a car swerving in and out of lanes or stopping beyond the painted stopping points at traffic lights, that car’s driver could be drunk. A car that cannot maintain a consistent speed might also be driven by a drunk driver.
If you see a potentially drunk driver on the road, stay away from that car. On a large divided highway, get yourself a few lanes over. On a smaller roadway, pull off and allow him or her to pass you by. Call 911 to get in touch with local law enforcement to report the driver and prevent an accident.
If you Are Involved in a DWI Collision
Seek medical attention as soon as you can. Being proactive about your injury and recovery is always the first step in a personal injury claim. Then, gather the necessary evidence to prove that you were injured because the other driver was drunk. This can include witness reports, the other driver’s arrest, and the results of a Breathalyzer test performed at the scene. Work with an experienced car accident lawyer to use this evidence to prove the validity of your claim.
Work with an Experienced Austin DWI Collision Lawyer
If you have been injured in a collision with a drunk driver, you could be entitled to monetary compensation through a personal injury claim. In nearly all car accident cases, the drunk driver is deemed to be the negligent party. You do not have to suffer from your injury financially as well as physically. Speak with our team of experienced Austin DWI accident attorney at The Law Office Of Robert L. Buford to learn more about your rights as a victim and to get started on your personal injury claim.