Waldorf, MD Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Helping People Injured by Intoxicated Drivers in Waldorf, Maryland

Drunk driving is illegal. Maryland and other states may prosecute people for driving while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, but criminal cases may have little effect on people who have been injured in car accidents caused by these drivers. However, injury victims can take steps to hold a driver responsible for getting behind the wheel while intoxicated and causing an accident.

In situations where collisions have been caused by drunk drivers, the attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer can provide legal representation for victims. We work to ensure that intoxicated drivers will be held accountable for the harm they have caused, and we will fight aggressively to obtain compensation for our clients that will fully address their injuries and damages.

How Alcohol Can Affect Drivers

When a person drinks alcohol, their mind and body will be affected. Even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on a person, making it more difficult to drive safely and increasing the risks of an accident. Understanding the effects that alcohol can have on a person can help explain why drunk driving accidents can be so serious. These effects include:

Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making

Alcohol affects the parts of the brain that handle reasoning and impulse control. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol may be more likely to take risks or act dangerously. Alcohol also creates a false sense of confidence, and a person may overestimate their own abilities and fail to realize that their ability to drive safely has been affected.

Slowed Reaction Times

The use of alcohol can lead to delays in the time a person needs to notice and react to important details. When driving, a person needs to be able to respond quickly to sudden changes, such as a vehicle that has slowed down ahead of them, a traffic light changing, or a pedestrian entering a crosswalk. The slower reaction times that a person will have after using alcohol can prevent them from recognizing potential hazards and responding in time to avoid an accident.

Reduced Coordination and Bodily Control

Drivers need to be able to maintain full control of their vehicle when steering, speeding up, and slowing down. Alcohol use can have an impact on a person's bodily coordination, preventing them from maintaining full control of their vehicle. They may be unable to maintain their position within a lane, make smooth turns, control their speed, or take the right actions to avoid hitting another vehicle or pedestrian.

Vision and Perception Problems

Alcohol use can lead to visual impairments. A person may experience blurred or double vision. Their peripheral vision may be affected, limiting their ability to see what is happening to the side of their vehicle. They may be unable to adjust quickly to bright lights, which can be dangerous when driving at night. Drunk drivers may be unable to fully see pedestrians, people on bicycles, or other vehicles on the road around them, increasing the chances of an accident.

Drowsiness and Inattention

When a person is drunk, they may experience drowsiness, and they may struggle to maintain full attention to the road. In some cases, drunk drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, causing them to crash into vehicles, pedestrians, or roadside objects without slowing down or attempting to swerve. Reduced alertness can also lead to an inability to process information and respond in time to prevent a collision.

Other Substances That Can Lead to Impairments for Drivers

Alcohol is not the only substance that can affect a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drivers may also become intoxicated and cause accidents when using substances such as:

Marijuana

Marijuana can have similar effects to alcohol. A person who drives while high may struggle to process information, experience delayed reaction times, and encounter visual impairments that affect their ability to see and respond to conditions on the road. As marijuana becomes more widely used, it has led to more car accidents in Maryland and other states.

Prescription Medications

Certain medications may affect a person's ability to maintain control of a vehicle. Opioid pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and sleep aids may cause issues such as drowsiness, slowed reflexes, or problems with coordination. A driver who fails to follow the warnings for medications and gets behind the wheel when they cannot drive safely may be responsible for causing an accident.

Illegal Drugs

Controlled substances like cocaine and methamphetamine may cause a person to engage in erratic, aggressive behavior, and they may also experience distorted perceptions, an inability to focus, and other issues that could lead to car accidents. Drugs such as heroin or fentanyl can lead to drowsiness, loss of bodily control, and other effects that may increase the likelihood of a collision.

Use of Multiple Substances

In some cases, a person may become intoxicated because they have used alcohol, prescription medications, controlled substances, over-the-counter drugs, or other substances at the same time. Mixing substances can lead to higher levels of impairment than a single substance would cause on its own, greatly increasing the chances of car accidents.

Contact Our Waldorf Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

The team at Farmer & Klopfer has spent decades fighting on behalf of car accident victims and others who have suffered serious injuries because of negligence. Our team is focused on meeting our clients' needs, providing attentive guidance throughout the legal process, and fighting aggressively for full and fair compensation. Contact our Waldorf, MD intoxicated driving accident lawyers at 301-843-3890 to schedule a free consultation.