While most of us would never consider getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated, some have and will continue to do so. Whatever their reasoning behind this decision, it is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol content over the New Mexico legal limit. Avoiding these intoxicated drivers is tough to do since it can be difficult to tell who is and who is not driving intoxicated. Some Albuquerque residents aren’t so lucky and suffer a car accident with a drunk driver.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident and sustained serious injuries or property damage, it’s likely that you want to know what caused the crash. The other driver involved in the accident may have been intoxicated at the time of the accident. It is standard protocol for an officer on the scene of a car accident to investigate to see if there are any outward signs of intoxicated driving. The officer may look into the driver’s eyes, ask them if they have been drinking or even conduct field sobriety tests.
Depending on state law, blood may be taken from the driver shortly after the accident to determine their BAC. Whether this is mandatory or discretionary depends on the specifics of the car accident. If there were any witnesses to the accident that can describe or validate drunk driving behaviors like speeding, swerving or uneven acceleration or de-acceleration, this can be helpful to a person building a personal injury suit or even for criminal cases. Intoxicated driving is illegal and there are ways to recover the damages an innocent party has suffered.
Drunk driving accidents are serious and heart-breaking for all involved. Mostly, this is because they are one hundred percent preventable. There are many means of transportation for those who decide to become intoxicated. For example, a bus, taxi or walking would serve as a safer and more legal means of transportation for an intoxicated person. This is why those who have suffered injury can potentially recover damages.
Source: FindLaw, “Drunk Driving Accidents,” Accessed October 3, 2016