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In spite of heavy publicity and expensive law enforcement projects, the U.S. has made very little progress in the fight against drunk driving since the mid-’90s. This problem is much more than a minor frustration since it results in thousands of preventable deaths and billions of dollars of damage every year.
A study has found that a simple solution could save thousands of lives every year. Learn more about the developments in drunk driving research — and what you can do if you have been injured by a drunk driver. Our experienced injury lawyer can answer all your legal questions.
The Study That Could Save Thousands Of Lives
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports on the results of its new drunk driving study. The risk of being involved in a fatal accident increases as the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) increases. With a BAC of 0.09, a driver between the ages of 16 and 21 is about 60 times more likely to die in a car accident than a sober driver of the same age.
Working backward, researchers were able to determine that a BAC below 0.08 would prevent an average of 9,409 deaths every year, about one out of every four drunk driving deaths that occur annually in the United States. If every driver had a BAC of zero, the number of deaths prevented would be closer to one out of every three (or around 12,000 total deaths prevented annually).
But how would it be possible to prevent every American from driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher? Technology currently exists that addresses this problem. After a drunk driving conviction, many defendants install an ignition interlock device (either as part of their plea agreement or under court order). These devices require a driver to blow into an alcohol detection system before they can start the vehicle’s engine.
If the driver’s breath tests at 0.08 or higher, the vehicle will not start at all. There are other alcohol detection systems that could be easily installed in new vehicles. Doing so could reduce the number of impaired drivers off the road, but not everyone is on board with the plan to install alcohol detection systems in all vehicles.
Some drivers cite privacy concerns. Many politicians want to learn more about these devices — and how effective they actually are — before considering legislation that would make them mandatory.
New Technology To Help Save Lives
One new alcohol testing device is called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). The device requires only a small breath sample. Law enforcement breath testers require a deep, sustained breath for an accurate sample, but using the DADSS breath technology tester is more like blowing out a candle.
Drivers are able to enter the vehicle and simply breathe as they would normally. The system is far less intrusive than older technologies for testing the alcohol content of a driver’s breath. DADSS is also developing other ways to detect alcohol in the body.
Instead of testing the breath, the company’s touch technology measures alcohol in the blood. The system works much like a pulse oximeter, which measures oxygen in the blood through infrared light. The DADSS system uses infrared light to measure alcohol in the capillaries. Both the breath technology and the touch technology systems can be installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle to be used by the driver.
DADSS is just one of many companies that are working on new generations of alcohol detection technologies. Over time, these devices are likely to become less obtrusive and even more accurate. Widespread use of these devices could have a drastic impact on the number of drunk driving deaths that occur every year.
What To Do If You Have Been Injured By A Drunk Driver
It is difficult to know what to do after an accident, especially when a drunk driver is involved. Unfortunately, some people unintentionally make decisions that worsen their injuries or affect their legal rights. You can take steps to protect your health and preserve your rights by keeping the following actions in mind:
Call 911.
Whenever an accident involves a suspected drunk driver, it is imperative that you call 911. First, law enforcement needs to find the drunk driver and get them off the road before they hurt anyone else. Second, the police report will be a key source of evidence regarding the driver’s intoxication.
And third, it is important to let the emergency medical technicians assess your injuries. Some injuries do not show up right away. Emergency medical technicians are trained to determine whether you are in any immediate danger and how to transport you safely to the hospital.
It may be common for the driver who caused the accident to ask an injury victim not to call 911. The driver might claim that their insurance will “take care of it” or that they will “work it out” with you privately.
However, without a police report, it can be difficult to verify what happened or protect your right to seek compensation later. Reporting the accident helps properly document the incident and allows law enforcement to address any potential safety risks.
Get Immediate Medical Attention.
If you decide not to go to the hospital in an ambulance, it is still important to see a doctor as soon as possible. You simply have no way of knowing how your body was injured immediately after an accident. For example, you might be bleeding internally. This condition usually does not show symptoms for hours.
By that time, the victim has lost enough blood to force the body into shock, and it might be too late to revive the victim. If you go to an urgent care center or emergency department immediately, the medical staff can detect the bleeding early by monitoring your blood pressure. There are dozens more examples of injuries that have far better outcomes with early medical intervention.
Even if a doctor finds no serious injury, getting checked helps confirm that you’re not in immediate danger. Seeing a doctor soon after the accident also supports both your health and your legal rights. Delaying medical care can make it harder to show that your injuries were related to the crash, so it’s best to seek evaluation as soon as possible.
Speak With An Injury Lawyer.
As soon as an accident happens, you have legal rights that can be placed at risk. You might accidentally blurt out something that an insurance adjuster could later interpret in a way that affects your claim. Evidence could be lost from the scene of the accident, or the other driver might change their statement after hearing your side of the story.
There are many ways that your legal rights may be affected after a crash. Seeking legal guidance early can help you understand your options and determine the next steps to take.
Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company, track down crucial evidence, and assist in evaluating the extent of your claim. Obtaining legal assistance early can help you stay informed about your rights and the necessary steps to address your situation effectively.
Follow All Of Your Doctor’s Advice.
Many injury victims find it difficult to pay for physical therapy, chiropractic services, or other treatment that is recommended by their doctors. The last thing you need when you are out of work is even more medical bills to pay, but it is very important that you follow through with these recommendations.
Insurance providers often review medical treatment records when evaluating a claim. Gaps or delays in following recommended care can make it more difficult to demonstrate the impact of the injury on your health.
If paying for medical care is a concern, consider discussing your options with your lawyer. We can help you explore available coverage under your health insurance plan or connect you with providers who accept deferred payment. There are many options to explore. The most important thing is that you don’t skip the treatment you need.
Do Not Discuss The Accident With Anyone Other Than Your Lawyer.
Anything you say about the accident could later be reviewed or interpreted in different ways. Even something you blurt out on the scene (like “I’m so sorry!” or “I didn’t see you”) might end up in a courtroom. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney until the case is done.
Simply let your friends and family members know that you were in an accident but cannot share the details until your injury claim has been resolved. This rule includes social media posts as well.
Information you post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other channels may be reviewed during the claims process. To avoid confusion or misinterpretation, it’s safest to limit public discussions or posts about the accident until your case is fully concluded.
Document All The Ways Your Life Has Been Impacted By Your Injuries.
Pain and suffering are often the largest components of a personal injury award, but they are also the most subjective. What compensation is fair for a night of lost sleep or added stress in the workplace? Assessing these impacts often depends on how clearly they are documented.
Our skilled legal team can help gather the information needed to demonstrate the effects of your injuries. Some of this proof is physical. Scars, stitches, bruises, or a cast can all be documented and photographed. High-quality, color photographs can serve as useful evidence.
It can also be helpful to keep a journal to document the other ways you have been affected by your injuries. Note the nights you could not sleep because you were in pain and the days your job performance suffered. Make a note of any events you had to miss.
Perhaps your injuries strained your personal relationships. It can be incredibly stressful in a marriage to have one spouse taking care of another! The pain and stress lead many couples to fight. By documenting these details in your own words, you provide helpful context for understanding your experience and the full extent of your injuries.
Experienced Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers For California Auto Accident Cases
A quick internet search for “injury lawyers near me” will show you dozens of attorneys in your local area, and it can be difficult to know who to contact about a drunk driving incident case in California. At Arash Law, our lawyers represent victims of drunk driving accidents. Our legal team works to help clients understand their rights and options following an accident involving an impaired driver.
We serve clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, San Jose, San Diego, Fresno, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, and throughout the entire Golden State.
Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule your free initial consultation. An experienced injury lawyer can explain your legal options and help you understand the next steps after a DUI-related accident.
