Drunk driving accidents can result in tragic consequences. However, not everyone knows why alcohol increases these types of accidents. Alcohol can impact a variety of skills that are essential for safe driving. If you find yourself on the other end of a drunk driving accident, you may not know what your options are. Do not hesitate to ask a Kansas City DUI attorney about what legal steps you can take.
Effects of Alcohol on Driving
Not only does alcohol make drivers drowsy and impair coordination, but alcohol can also impact multiple aspects of perception. When it comes to driving properly, perception is everything. Driving is a multitasking behavior that requires careful concentration to avoid accidents and correct minor mistakes.
The effects of alcohol on driving vary depending on the level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC). With a BAC level of 0.02%, driving is still manageable but the driver may experience:
- Difficulty following visual targets
- Problems with multitasking
- Issues with dividing up attention on more than one thing
By the time drivers reach a BAC level of 0.05%, they may also struggle with steering the car and responding to last-minute driving changes. The ability to track objects with the eyes is delayed and coordination is decreased. This can make controlling the vehicle in emergency situations challenging.
At a BAC level of 0.08%, these changes start adding up. Drivers start experiencing impaired perception that can make accurate driving difficult. They may have trouble maintaining a consistent speed. Information processing is reduced and muscle coordination becomes impaired.
Past this level, driving becomes dangerous. The driver often veers into other lanes and tends to not brake in time. This is what leads to drunk driving accidents.
Your Options After a DUI Accident
You may not have to recover from a DUI accident alone. Paying for car repairs on top of medical bills for your injuries can be overwhelming. If the other driver was drunk, you could sue for significant compensation.
Since Missouri is a no-fault state, you should be automatically compensated by insurance. However, this compensation may not always be enough to pay for all the damages you suffered. You may be struggling with long-term medical bills for severe injuries and lost earning capacity. Depending on what happened, you could receive additional compensation for pain and suffering.
Try contacting a Kansas City DUI lawyer if your accident was caused by a drunk driver. A lawyer can help you collect evidence to prove the other driver was drunk. Not only that, but your lawyer might be able to help you obtain more compensation than the auto insurance company is offering you. When your claim is disputed, a lawyer can defend you in court.
Kansas City DUI Accident Attorney
No one should have to pay for injuries caused by a drunk driver. All you have to do is call Peterson and Associates P.C. by dialing 816-888-8888 to speak with a Missouri car accident lawyer for a free consultation today. Our Kansas City legal team can help you obtain significant compensation for your lost wages, emotional distress, and medical expenses. We are located in Kansas City, Missouri.
