Kentucky roadways are not immune to menacing situations often caused by drunk drivers. You may be alert and cautious behind the wheel, but there’s often little or nothing you can do to avoid collision with an inebriated motorist. People who make irresponsible choices to drink alcohol then drive cause many fatal accidents. While you can’t change another person’s actions, you may be able to avoid disaster by arming yourself with information ahead of time and formulating a plan of action if trouble arises.
It’s important to remember that drunk driving is a crime, not a mere traffic violation. If you suffer injury in a collision caused by an intoxicated driver, there is no reason you alone should pay for the medical bills and other expenses associated with the incident. Knowing what to do and where to turn for support is often key to getting the help you need in a dire situation.
Be on the lookout at all times
Some people are able to conceal their drunkenness in public. Others stumble when they walk, slur their words when they talk and otherwise act in ways that show signs of obvious intoxication. It’s a bit more challenging to recognize intoxication of a person is behind the wheel of an automobile since they are sitting down and you don’t really have a up-close view. Following, is a list of signs that may be cause for concern regarding motorists in your vicinity:
- If a car near you makes an overly wide turn, it may be because alcohol impaired the driver’s distance judgment.
- If a vehicle is riding the center line of traffic (as though the driver can differentiate between lanes) it might be due to intoxication.
- If the person behind you is riding your bumper dangerously close, he or she might have a blood alcohol content level over the legal driving limit.
- If you notice a car coming very close to bumping a curb or stationery objects (or people) on the side of the road, it’s another sign that the driver might be drunk.
When a possible drunk driver is in your vicinity, you may be able to avoid serious injury if you can put as much distance between your vehicle and the one that is weaving in and out of its lane. If you’re able to pull over and dial 911, you might be able to save your own life and others’ as well. Sometimes, doing all these things is still not enough if an out-of-control driver is in your midst. At that point, getting the help you need is the highest priority.
Obtaining needed medical assistance following a car accident is one thing; paying for it is quite another. Many accident victims are completely unprepared to meet exorbitant costs associated with recovery. A Kentucky personal injury attorney can guide you through a process to seek monetary judgment against a negligent driver. Successful litigation can provide compensation to help offset accident expenses.