What Counts as Impaired Driving?

Last updated Friday, December 30th, 2022

Impaired driving is mostly known to involve drugs or alcohol while drowsy driving can also lead to similar types of driving impairments. All of these types of driving impairments can cause severe car crashes, and being aware of them might help you avoid future accidents. However, if you were in an accident related to any of these, then consider asking a Tampa accident lawyer for guidance.

Types of Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is called impaired driving due to the way these substances limit important driving skills. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, and heroin can all make driving dangerous for not only the intoxicated driver but their passengers and other drivers as well.

As many people know, alcohol can significantly impair vision, coordination, response time, and accuracy while driving. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol may veer off into the wrong lane or run a stop sign without realizing it. Other depressants like heroin can produce similar problematic effects while driving.

Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine can produce the opposite effects. They tend to make drivers more aggressive with increased road rage and impulsive decisions. This can easily lead to reckless driving and taking greater risks while driving compared to being sober.

Drowsy driving occurs when someone drives while feeling like they are about to fall asleep. This can happen because of sleep deprivation from insomnia, the drowsy effects of a medication, or after a long drive that has lasted most of the day. In either of these cases, the effects of drowsy driving can be similar to the effects of alcohol.

Not only does drowsy driving slow down reaction time, but also hinders coordination skills, and steering accuracy. Drowsy driving may also result in lane drifting. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the most dangerous risks of drowsy driving.

How to Secure Compensation After an Accident

If you were in a car accident that involves impaired driving, you might be eligible for compensation. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, you are eligible for compensation regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Being as prepared as possible to take the right car accident steps will increase your chances of success.

First, move to safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. Collect basic contact, vehicle details, and auto insurance information from the other driver. Make sure the police arrive when damages are severe so you can obtain a copy of the police report for your car accident claim.

Collect as much evidence at the scene of the accident as possible. Take pictures of damages and injuries. Write down what happened. Try contacting a Tampa car accident lawyer to explore what other steps you can take to improve your chances of compensation.

Tampa Accident Attorney

Car accident expenses can add up fast. You can call the Rebein Law Firm by dialing (813) 305-7285 to speak with a Florida car accident lawyer for a free consultation today. Our team of attorneys might be able to increase your compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. We are located throughout the Florida cities of Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, Pasco, and Polk County.