It is no question that alcohol hurts a person’s driving capabilities. But the question may be how and why this is. Follow along to find out more about why driving after drinking alcohol is frowned upon in the state of Florida and how a proficient Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you in the right direction.
Why does alcohol hurt a person’s driving abilities?
Florida’s legal limit for blood-alcohol content (BAC) level is 0.08 percent. But even with a lower BAC level, your driving abilities may be impaired. More specifically, alcohol impairs the following:
- Impaired judgment/decision-making abilities:
- Not sensing the danger of running a red light.
- Not sensing the risk of speeding.
- Impaired concentration abilities:
- Not watching your speed.
- Not holding your lane.
- Not remembering to use turn signals or check blind spots before proceeding.
- Not observing traffic signs or signals.
- Not being able to comprehend the navigation directions.
- Impaired coordination/reaction abilities:
- Not being able to quickly react to hazards.
- Not being able to time your braking, turns, lane changes, etc.
- Impaired vision abilities:
- Not being able to see potential dangers on the side of the road.
- Not being able to see other motor vehicles sharing the road.
- Not being able to see pedestrians crossing the street.
- Not being able to read traffic signs.
What do dram shop laws do for my drunk driving accident?
If a drunk driver was served at a dram shop (i.e., restaurant or bar) before they went behind the wheel, then the dram shop may be equally responsible for the subsequent accident that occurred. This is thanks to Florida’s dram shop laws. That is, you may be able to hold the drunk driver and dram shop simultaneously accountable via a personal injury claim if any of the following circumstances reign true:
- The dram shop continued to serve the drunk driver when they were visibly intoxicated (i.e., slurred speech, unbalanced walking, glassy eyes, aggressive behavior, etc).
- The dram shop served the drunk driver when they were under the legal drinking age of 21.
- The dram shop served the drunk driver after hours.
- The dram shop served the drunk driver without a valid Florida liquor license.
What should I do after my drunk driving accident?
And to hold the drunk driver and dram shop accountable, you must collect enough evidence against them that proves their negligence. You can do so by following the below steps immediately after your drunk driving accident occurs:
- Call the police at the scene of the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and your damages.
- Ask the drunk driver for their contact information, and that of any present witnesses.
- Retain copies of your medical documentation that states the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
- Retain copies of your medical bills that state the costs of your required treatments.
- Employ a talented Tampa auto accident lawyer before Florida’s statute of limitations of four years after your accident.
