Drunk Driving in Motorcycle Accidents

Drunk Driving in Motorcycle Accidents

Drunk driving remains one of the most prevalent causes of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities despite extensive media awareness campaigns over the past few decades and stricter laws and penalties. Motorists are often either unaware of how much their judgment is impaired from a few drinks or feel they can drive safely, knowing their blood alcohol content is at or above the legal limit.

All states use the standard of 0.08% as the blood alcohol level at which you are presumed intoxicated and may not drive. For a woman weighing 130 pounds, she will very close to the limit with two drinks in one hour. For a 175 pound man, he can have four drinks in one hour and be under the limit. However, these are general calculations. Your BAC will depend on your gender, weight, time over which drinks are consumed, the strength of the drinks and whether you are taking medications, are fatigued or have an empty stomach, among other factors. Many people are unaware of how intoxicated they are and will risk driving.

Regardless of the time of day, time of the week or if there is a particular holiday, you can expect any number of drunk drivers to be on the road.

Motorcycle riders are particularly at risk from drunk drivers. Impaired drivers are less likely to see a motorcycle at an intersection or approaching them while making a left turn into their path. On the road, a drunk driver will drift into your lane or suddenly swerve into you without first seeing if it is safe to do so.

If you are hit by a drunk motorist on a motorcycle, you risk serious and debilitating injuries including:

• Traumatic head injury
• Broken or crushed bones and ribs
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Severe lacerations and abrasions
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Being injured in a car or motorcycle accident can be extremely traumatic. Even if you recover, the psychological impact can last for years. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Reliving the event or flashbacks
• Avoiding situations that may remind you of the accident
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Increased emotional outbursts
• Impulsive or risky behavior
• Feelings of despair
• Change in personality

If you have any of these symptoms following a motorcycle accident, promptly advise your attorney who can refer you to the proper medical provider for treatment and confirmation of your condition.