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It is no secret that operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can be a dangerous decision. As you travel along Oregon roads, you may wish to avoid similar acts of negligence at all costs, as being in full control of your capabilities is a cornerstone of safeguarding your well-being.

Unfortunately, you likely share these roads with a multitude of others, some of whom might not always place the same level of value on safety. Should you encounter a drunk driver as you travel to or from your preferred destinations, you might find it nearly impossible to react in time to steer out of harm’s way.

The effects of alcohol

The influence of alcohol can alter your ability to handle a variety of driving scenarios, and the effects only increase as your blood-alcohol content rises. Some of the most common ways in which impairment can disrupt your driving capabilities may include:

  • Loss of coordination: Studies indicate that one of the first things you lose when driving while impaired is your coordination, which is a vital component to safely operating a motor vehicle.
  • Disrupts attention: Those who drive while impaired may also have a more difficult time remaining focused on the task at hand, and even a moment of inattention while driving could prove disastrous.
  • Judgment and perception: Impairment can also disrupt your ability to make vital judgment calls or to control the speed of your vehicle, both of which are imperative.
  • Visual and auditory concerns: Alcohol can also impact your vision and your ability to process auditory information, thus making it substantially more challenging to drive safely.

If a drunk driver causes a crash to occur, there is a chance you may wake up the next day in a hospital bed with little to no idea of what took place and wondering about the next steps to take to seek restitution.

After a crash

Suffering serious injuries in a collision involving a drunk driver can be a devastating experience that could leave you with extensive hospital bills and facing a lengthy period of recovery. Following the crash, you may wish to know more about your available legal avenues, but navigating the civil justice system can be a complex process. However, by seeking guidance from someone with experience in such matters, you could become better prepared to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve through a personal injury claim.