Common Signs of Driver Impairment

According to FBI estimates, 1,017,808 drivers were taken into custody for impaired driving in 2016. This includes impairment by alcohol and other controlled substances. If a driver is impaired when causing an accident, he or she may be liable for any damages that you incur, including medical bills or lost wages. If you experienced a car accident as a result of driver impairment, contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer today.

Alcohol Use Could Result in Slurred Speech

One of the telltale signs of alcohol impairment is the fact that a person is slurring his or her words. In some cases, you may notice that those who have been drinking speak in what amounts to gibberish or will have trouble speaking in complete sentences. This is because alcohol interferes with neurons in the brain that control speech and memory. Of course, a person who just hit you or your vehicle may admit guilt in causing the crash as excessive alcohol consumption lowers a person's inhibitions. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can explain to you the importance of another driver admitting guilt at the scene of a crash.

Alcohol Could Make It Harder to Stand Up

The more a person drinks, the harder it is to control muscle movements or act in a coordinated manner. That is why you may find that a drunk driver is unable to stand up or move in a fluid manner. In many cases, a person who is drunk or impaired will need to lean against something to maintain his or her balance. If you notice a driver is having trouble standing or walking after a crash, it could be because that person was drinking prior to driving.

Alcohol Is Easy to Smell on a Person

If you get close enough to the person who caused your car accident, you may notice the smell of alcohol coming off that individual. It may be noticeable both on that person's breath as well as on his or her person. As a general rule, if you can smell alcohol on another driver, there is a good chance that the police will able to smell it as well. This could be key evidence in a personal injury case that could provide you with leverage during settlement talks or during a trial.  

A Driver May Be Passed Out at the Wheel

At some point, your body decides that it can no longer function with the amount of alcohol or other drugs that you have put into it. If another person is excessively drunk or has consumed a controlled substance, he or she may be unconscious at an accident scene. This may be true even if the accident is a relatively minor one.

Drugs or Alcohol Could Make a Person Loud or Aggressive

Depending on the types of drugs that a person has consumed, he or she may be aggressive toward you at the accident scene. In some cases, this could mean yelling or making threats in your direction. It could also mean that a person tries to fight you at the scene of the crash. If a person is acting aggressive, you should remain in your vehicle if possible or find a safe spot to call for help.

Impairment May Cause an Increased Sensitivity to Light

If the driver who hit you or your vehicle is having trouble focusing in areas of bright light, it could be because that person is impaired by drugs or alcohol. Police officers will look to see how well their eyes focus by asking them to follow a light or by conducting other field sobriety tests. While the results of these tests aren't enough to convict someone criminally, they could be valuable evidence in a civil matter. If you have been hurt by a drunk or an impaired driver, get in touch with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer from Metzger & Kleiner today. You can contact our office in Philadelphia by dialing (215) 567-6616 or sending a fax to (215) 561-6326.