What is Drunk Driving?
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol at or above the legal limit, is commonly referred to as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence).
According to Chapter 12 of the California Vehicle Code, the following conditions are considered illegal:
- Drivers over 21 years operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or more.
- Drivers of commercial motor vehicles cannot have a BAC level equal to or above 0.04g/dl.
- Drivers under 21 years and on DUI probation (any age) cannot have a BAC level equal to or above 0.01g/dl.
Several factors could affect your BAC levels, such as:
- Gender
- Body size/weight
- Number of drinks
- Type of alcohol consumed
- The time during which drinks were consumed
- How much food do you eat before/during drinking, also
- Certain medical conditions that affect how the body metabolizes alcohol
Your blood alcohol content (BAC) might lead to certain effects and impairments which could hinder your ability to drive safely. These side effects could be either of the following:
- Slowed reflexes and reaction time
- Slurred speech
- Blackouts and memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of physical coordination
- Passing out
- Increased heart rate and breathing
- Blood pressure changes
Lancaster Drunk Driving Laws
In California, it is unlawful to drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) greater than the allowable limit. To legally operate a vehicle, one must keep their BAC:
- Below 0.08% if you are over 21
- Below 0.04% if you are a commercial driver
- Below 0.01% if you are under 21
However, it is still best to never drink and drive. Always have a designated driver or contact a transportation service to avoid having to get behind the while of a vehicle while intoxicated.
How to Spot a Drunk Driver
It is important to be aware of potentially dangerous drivers on the road and being able to spot signs that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol can help in staying safe. Knowing what actions and behavior could indicate an intoxicated driver is a key to being proactive when it comes to road safety.
Here are some signs that can help you identify a drunk driver:
- Failure to stay in the correct lane
- Stopping the vehicle too soon before the traffic light, driving past a stop signal, or making an abrupt stop
- Failure to make the proper signals or making signals that do not reflect the driver’s current actions
- Making sudden, sharp turns, with a tendency to over-correct when steering
- Inability to maintain speed, driving over the speed limit, or driving too slowly
- Running over curbs and reckless weaving
- Headlights are off despite driving at night or failure to dim high-beams
- Failure to accurately assess the distance between the road and other objects
- Crossing the centerline or a double-yellow line
What Should You Do if You Spot a Drunk Driver?
If you suspect that the driver of another vehicle is an intoxicated person, the following safety measures may help you in avoiding a possible accident:
- Keep your distance from the suspected driver, as they have a tendency to make abrupt stops.
- Ensure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts properly.
- If possible, safely stop and pull off the road.
- Contact 911 and inform the police officer of the location, driver’s direction of travel, description of the car, and the impaired driver’s behavior.
- Do not attempt to stop the driver on your own.
Most Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident
Motor vehicle accidents caused by an intoxicated driver can lead to serious property damage and severe injuries. Due to the impairments that drivers experience while drunk, these accidents may even result in life-altering injuries. Some of the most common injuries an accident victim may sustain are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
The consequences of a drunk driving accident may greatly affect an accident victim’s daily life. These injuries, if left untreated. If the injury is truly severe, it may cause victims a lifetime of pain. Therefore, it is critical that you have an experienced drunk driving accident attorney guiding you through the process of your personal injury claim.
Recoverable Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
As the injured party, you may be eligible for financial compensation for the injuries and damages incurred due to the accident. Taking the appropriate steps after the accident can help strengthen your claim for this compensation.
You may be entitled to the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Medical treatments
- Future medical care
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Loss of income
- Other financial losses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- And more
If the wrongful death of your loved one was the result of the drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for the injuries and property damage sustained.
Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, this insurance settlement is meant to help the family of the victim with financial challenges, and cover costs such as burial and funeral expenses.
To ensure that your rights are protected from insurance adjusters who may wish to cheat you out of a fair settlement, hiring a knowledgeable Lancaster drunk driving accident lawyer is in your best interest.
Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? Contact Farahi Law Firm Today!
If you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident due to a negligent driver, you must hold the at-fault party responsible and file an insurance claim. Our Lancaster drunk driving accident lawyers have years of extensive experience dealing with these kinds of cases.
We will not only handle the complexities of your case, but we will also put you in touch with the best medical professionals and ensure you get the medical attention you need.
At Farahi Law Firm, we are committed to winning. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients. We will fight to recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
Call us atĀ (661) 689-5718 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7!
