When a Drunk Driver Causes a Car Accident

One of the most devastating factors of drunk driving accidents is that often the passenger of the other vehicle involved is the person who is badly injured or even killed, and not the person who was driving under the influence. 

It is important to deal with the accident scene right after an accident happens. This will help the victims in the accident build a case against the drunk driver. Here are some things that can help you to know more about why drunk drivers cause accidents and how to deal with the situation if you ever are involved in a drunk driving accident.

Why are drunk drivers more likely to cause an accident? 

Anyone with an excessive blood alcohol content has a reduced ability to maintain control of their car, has reduced reaction time, and a lack of judgment behind the wheel. Drunk drivers are more likely to engage in other dangerous behaviors such as speeding or driving at the wrong side of the road. It’s not always easy to spot drunk drivers, which means that passengers in the other vehicles may not always be able to avoid them. 

Civil and Criminal Penalties Associated with Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is especially vital to comprehend when an accident takes place because those who are hurt in an accident may wonder who will be paying their medical bills. Also, authorities dispatched to the scene who believe that alcohol may have been the cause of the accident itself may try to gather more information that can be used to pursue a criminal case. These conditions may also call for a criminal claim. These are dealt with separately in the court system.

The criminal allegations involve the evaluation of penalties associated with breaking the law directly. Although the illustration of damage and serious physical injury can be used to expose the severity of the accident and to support the fact that the drivers were under the influence of alcohol, the criminal case doesn’t mean that the person who was hurt is entitled to damages.

There is a difference between the criminal trial for drunk driving and a civil trial. A civil trial may be brought by a person who has been seriously injured due to the drunk driver’s behavior. Although this can be carried out at the same time as a criminal trial and involve a lot of the same facts, witnesses, and evidence, there is a clear cut difference between the criminal trial that will pursue penalties against the good driver.

What to Do at the Accident Scene 

At the scene of the incident, a person who is seriously injured in a drunk driving accident needs to report their suspicion that the driver was under the influence of alcohol to the police officer. They should also get medical attention to identify a proper diagnosis, then consult with a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer Kansas City, MO trusts from Royce Injury Attorneys, immediately whether or not they are currently eligible to pursue a case. It is much better to be safe than sorry for anyone who is seriously injured in such an accident because the timely diagnosis of the situation can dramatically increase the possibilities for a full recovery. Not everyone who is injured in a drunk driving accident will be able to fully recover after such a serious injury.