Drunk driving accidents typically result in horrific and devastating injuries that negatively impact a victim’s life. When a motorist gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol they are putting everyone’s safety at risk. Alcohol severely impacts an individual’s ability to drive. The necessary skills needed to safely and properly operate a vehicle are hampered by alcohol. Alcohol negatively impacts a person’s body and mind. If a motorist drives while intoxicated, they will face serious consequences. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to another person’s negligence, contact an experienced and determined Washington, D.C. Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer who can help you recover financial compensation for your injuries.
What negative effects can alcohol have on a person’s driving ability?
Drivers must abide by the rules of the road as serious collisions and injuries may result if they neglect to follow and adhere to them. The legal limit in every state is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08%. If a driver has a BAC of .02% or more their critical driving skills can be severely hindered. Even having just one drink can significantly affect an individual’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Alcohol is a depressant drug. Depressant drugs can cause a loss of motor coordination, blurred vision, and drowsiness. Alcohol affects an individual’s nervous system and slows brain activity. Alcohol can impact the ability to drive by causing:
- Delayed reaction time
- Loss of comprehension
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of coordination
- Altered judgment
- Impaired vision, hearing, and speech
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Increased feelings of weakness and fatigue
Does D.C. enforce dram shop laws?
In the District of Columbia, strict dram shop laws are enforced to help victims of drunk driving accidents. Essentially, a dram shop is a bar or any other commercial establishment that sells alcohol. Dram shop laws hold commercial establishments liable for serving and supplying motorists with alcohol. It is unlawful to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated. It is also illegal to serve alcohol to anyone who is a minor, meaning anyone under the legal age of 21 years old. If a commercial establishment fails to adhere to dram shop laws, it can cause them to be held liable for damages. In D.C., victims have three years to file a claim against a negligent party. If a victim fails to file a claim within those three years, they will be barred from ever doing so. It is always better to act sooner than later. If a victim waits too long they may miss their opportunity to recover compensation for their damages.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a drunk driving accident, reach out to one of our determined and skilled team members who can help you seek the justice you deserve. Victims may lose their job and face substantial past and future medical bills, and other financial burdens due to another person’s negligence. Our firm is committed to helping our clients hold drunk drivers responsible for their harmful actions and help victims recover reasonable damages.
