When you have a traffic accident in which one of the drivers involved is under the influence of a substance, it is said in the United States that the person "drives under the influence" (Driving Under Influence or DUI).
Driving a vehicle under the influence refers to people who have consumed alcohol or another substance that can alter their state of consciousness and perception causing a major car accident.
If you have been involved in any way in an accident of this type, you should contact Conexión Legal immediately either by writing to us via WhatsApp or by calling 1800 201 1220, so that you can receive the best free advice, and if applicable, receive the highest compensation for your injuries and material losses. In all states of the country, it is a crime for drivers to drive a car under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (including prescription medications). Depending on the state, this type of crime or violation of law is called driving impaired (DUI), driving under the influence (DWI) or similar terms.
In the United States, at least 28 people die every day in car accidents caused by at least one drunk driver. This figure refers only to fatal accidents. There are other accidents from drunk driving that can cause personal injury or property damage. It is possible that most drivers will encounter another drunk driver on the road at some point in their lives and cause a car accident while intoxicated.
Police and highway patrol personnel can only detain vehicles if they have reasonable suspicion of being involved in criminal activity. For example, a police officer may notice that the driver is driving up and down the center line, changing lanes, or driving irregularly. However, when an accident occurs, the collision itself has generated sufficient reasonable suspicion that the law has been violated, so the officer can detain those involved in the accident and initiate an investigation.
In fact, a crash is sufficient evidence for the law enforcement officer to look inside the car to prove that the driver is drunk. The evidence must be visible to the naked eye, such as an open container of alcohol. The person may also look for another sign of intoxication in the driver's eyes. These visual tests may have caused personnel at the scene to have reasonable suspicion, investigate the situation further, and request a field sobriety test or a blood alcohol test.
Due to reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred, police officers often conduct field sobriety tests after finding a container full of alcohol or discovering that the driver is behaving abnormally. The process is generally divided into three parts and allows personnel at the scene to determine whether the driver can currently maintain balance, the degree of attention, and the physical ability to operate the vehicle. When the driver fails the field sobriety test, he or she is often asked to perform a BAC test. Some states have laws requiring BAC testing of drivers, passengers, or pedestrians in the event of a fatal accident; in other states, it is the personnel at the scene who decide. Required tests (called mandatory tests) require that persons who have been unlawfully injured in a car accident submit to a BAC evaluation. On the other hand, in some states, discretionary tests allow coroners and other officials to determine whether BAC testing is required after a fatal accident.
If you have been involved in a similar situation, it is important that you contact Conexión Legal as soon as possible by phone or WhatsApp so that you can receive the best free advice and receive the highest possible compensation if you deserve it for the car accident you have suffered. Call us or write to us via WhatsApp.
