Fairfax, VA Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Dedicated Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Holding Impaired Drivers Accountable in Fairfax, Virginia

There are few things a person can do while driving that are as dangerous as getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or other substances will not only put themselves at risk, but they will endanger everyone else on the road. They are much more likely to become involved in car accidents, and in many cases, these accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries or wrongful deaths.

When a collision has been caused by an intoxicated driver, the attorney at Shevlin Smith, P.C. can provide legal help for victims. Our law firm is built on honesty, attentive client service, and a personalized approach to every case we handle. We understand that being struck by a drunk driver is not only physically painful, but it can also involve emotional trauma, since the crash should have been preventable. Our lawyer works to hold drivers accountable for their reckless actions and ensure that our clients can receive the full compensation they deserve.

Why Impaired Drivers Can Cause Dangerous Crashes

Intoxication will affect nearly every skill that is needed to operate a vehicle safely. The effects are not limited to obvious signs like slurred speech or balance problems. Even at lower levels of impairment, a person's physical and mental abilities will be affected in ways that can significantly increase the risks of a crash. The dangerous effects of intoxication include:

Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making

Intoxication can affect a person's ability to assess risks and make safe decisions. A driver who is impaired will be more likely to misjudge the distance between their car and other vehicles or underestimate how much room is needed to pass safely. They may decide to attempt risky maneuvers that they would have avoided if they had been sober.

Slower Reaction Time

Alcohol and other substances can affect the central nervous system, leading to slower responses that may limit how quickly a driver can respond to a hazard. A person who would normally hit their brakes the instant they see a pedestrian in a crosswalk may not be able to respond that quickly when they are drunk. They may take a full second or more to react, which could prevent them from being able to avoid striking the person.

Reduced Coordination and Motor Skills

When operating a vehicle, a person will need to use their hands, feet, and eyes all at the same time. Intoxication can affect their ability to do so. They may find it harder to steer precisely, brake smoothly, or maintain a consistent position on the road. They will be more likely to lose control, especially if they are engaging in unsafe behaviors like speeding.

Difficulty Tracking Multiple Hazards

Safe driving requires a constant awareness of multiple things at once. A person will need to watch vehicles around them, traffic signals, pedestrians, and anything else that is happening on the road. When a person is intoxicated, they may not be able to pay attention to multiple hazards at the same time. This can cause them to miss critical warning signs and prevent them from taking actions to avoid a crash.

Drowsiness

Alcohol and drugs can cause a person to feel tired or drowsy. A driver who is struggling to stay awake and remain alert will be more likely to miss important details or lose control of their vehicle. At higher levels of intoxication, a driver may fall asleep at the wheel, resulting in a complete loss of control and turning their vehicle into a dangerous missile that can severely injure others.

Substances That Can Lead to Impaired Driving

There are multiple substances that can cause intoxication, including:

Alcohol

Virginia law prohibits people from driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher, and a person may reach this limit after having a couple of drinks within a short period of time. However, even if a driver was below the legal limit, they may still be affected by alcohol, and they could be held liable for causing an accident. At higher levels, alcohol intoxication can be extremely dangerous, leading to issues like blurred vision, loss of coordination, and drowsiness.

Marijuana

The use of marijuana has become more common throughout the United States, including in Virginia. Marijuana can have effects that are similar to alcohol, including decreased reaction times, impaired coordination, and distortions to the ability to perceive speed and distance.

Illegal Drugs

Substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin can lead to significant impairments for drivers. The effects may be different for different substances. The use of stimulants like cocaine or meth may lead to aggressive driving, erratic movements, and impaired judgment, while depressants like heroin or other opioids can cause drowsiness and slower reaction times.

Prescription Medications

Many prescription drugs can have effects that may limit a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Medications such as opioid pain relievers, certain types of antidepressants, sleep aids, or muscle relaxers can cause effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slower reaction times, and a loss of bodily coordination. A driver who gets behind the wheel after taking a medication that has affected their driving ability may be held responsible for causing a crash.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Some medicines that are available without a prescription can cause issues that may affect a person's driving ability. Allergy medications that contain antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Cold and flu medications may have similar effects.

Combinations of Substances

Combining alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other drugs can often lead to a higher level of impairment than any substance would have on its own. A person who has consumed a small amount of alcohol along with a prescription sleep aid or a cold medicine may experience a level of impairment that is much more serious than they expected.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney can help car accident victims determine whether the driver who caused an accident was intoxicated. He will look at toxicology reports, statements from witnesses about a person's behavior, and other factors, and he will work to ensure that a driver will be held responsible for their unsafe actions. Contact our Fairfax intoxicated driving accident lawyer today at 703-591-0067 to set up a free consultation.