Warning Signs of an Intoxicated Driver

There are two reasons that you will want to know how to spot a drunk driver. You will want to avoid having an accident in the first place and you will want to be able to use the fact that the driver was under the influence of alcohol as a reason why the driver was negligent.

The Importance of Negligence

Even if you are injured in a car accident, you will not be entitled to compensation even if you are severely injured unless you can prove that the other driver was negligent. Because drinking while driving is illegal, this is one method by which you can prove that the driver was negligent. Even if you are found to be partially at fault, you're more likely to receive some compensation through comparative negligence. 

Warning Signs of Drunk Driving

The most common signs of drunk driving include veering off course to the incorrect lane or weaving in and out of lanes. To avoid swerving or veering, an intoxicated driver might hug the centerline. Also, the driver might continue to collide with objects such as mailboxes.

In addition to the more obvious signs of intoxicated driving, you might notice the driver make a wide turn, tailgating, excessive braking, and not using headlights. Any behavior that is very unconventional or reckless can be a warning sign of an intoxicated driver behind the wheel.

What to Do Next

After you have been involved in an accident with an intoxicated driver, you'll want to contact the police as soon as possible. It is usually mandatory to contact the police after an auto accident. And even if it wasn't, by calling the police, you will now have a police report that includes important details.

The police officer might also arrest the intoxicated motorist and charge them with a DUI. This is solid evidence that the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence. Even if it is not admissible in court, you may be able to use the DUI when negotiating a settlement with the other driver's insurance provider.

Without a police report, the driver will likely claim that they were not driving under the influence. Therefore, you will need to rely on other forms of evidence such as eyewitness testimony and expert witnesses. Based on the physical evidence at the scene of the accident, your attorney may be able to prove that the other driver was intoxicated.

To learn more, contact a local car accident attorney.