Posted by : attorney stevelee

Important Terms You Need to Know After a Texas Drunk Driving Injury

Victims of drunk driving collisions are sometimes unfamiliar with the terms commonly associated with intoxicated motoring. Understanding these terms is a critical point of knowledge when pursuing compensation.

Drunk Driving Terms

Some of the most frequently-used drunk driving terms include:

  • Blood alcohol content (BAC). This is an estimate of the percentage of alcohol in a driver’s blood. In Texas, a BAC of .08 or higher indicates that a driver was legally intoxicated, and therefore may be liable for a vehicle collision.
  • Burnoff. This refers to the body’s natural ability to metabolize and eliminate alcohol. To prove a drunk driver had alcohol in his system at the time of a collision, it’s vitally important that his blood be tested as soon as possible.
  • Dram shop liability. A dram shop is any type of commercial establishment where alcohol is sold, such as a bar or liquor store. If the shop sells alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person, and if that drunken individual subsequently causes a vehicle accident, the dram shop may be held liable by the injured party.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI). DUI is the offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Drivers who are guilty of DUI may be held both criminally and civilly liable for the harm they cause.
  • Field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are tests administered by law enforcement officers, typically on the roadside, to determine driver impairment. Most FSTs are intended to test a motorist’s balance and coordination, and these tests can serve as critical evidence of a drunk driver’s liability in the event of a vehicle collision.
  • Social host. A social host is someone who furnishes alcohol to another individual in a social setting, such as at a party. If a social host serves alcohol to an individual who’s obviously intoxicated, and if that intoxicated individual subsequently causes a vehicle accident, the social host may be held liable by the injured party.

Receiving Compensation

If you were injured in a vehicle accident with a drunk driver, you’re entitled to damages for the harm you’ve suffered. A skilled vehicle accident attorney will help you receive rightful compensation. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., today by using the form on this page.

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