If you were recently in a car wreck that resulted from driver negligence, you deserve to receive every bit of compensation owed to you. But, first, it is important to know the facts. There are approximately 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year. According to a study conducted by the Huffington Post, there are 16 primary causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving
- Drunk Driving
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Rain
- Running Red Lights
- Night Driving
- Design Defects
- Tailgating
- Wrong-way Driving or Improper Turns
- Teenage Drivers
- Drugs
- Potholes
- Tire Blowouts
- Animal Crossings
- Construction Sites
Of the 16 reasons listed, at least nine can indisputably be deemed as negligence either on the part of the driver or the manufacturer. That means that over 56% of car accidents are due to someone driving in a manner that is irresponsible and that, as a result, does not adhere to the law’s standard of safety.
Drinking and driving or drunk driving is number two on the list. This type of negligence is undoubtedly one of the most common causes of car wrecks, and before you begin legal proceedings, you need to be aware of the many misconceptions that cloud the truth and can prevent you from getting what you deserve. Here are just a few misconceptions about drunk driving and DUI cases you should never believe.
“It will not happen to me.”
How often have you heard a story on the news or driven past the scene of an accident and thought, “That will not ever happen to me” to yourself? The fact of the matter is that accidents as such can happen to any of us at any time. That being said, this thought is not so much a misconception as it is wishful thinking. Even if you do not drink or you are completely sober behind the wheel, anyone can still be involved in a car wreck with a drunk driver. In fact — as you can see from the list — the three most common causes of car accidents in the United States are distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. Knowing this, it is important to be informed of your rights after an accident, so talk to a car accident attorney today.
Field sobriety tests are mandatory for those pulled over on suspicion of DUI.
While police officers often mislead suspects into thinking they have no choice but to participate in field sobriety tests, it is not a law. However, those who do refuse to participate typically end up getting arrested. Yes, the truth is that in reality, you do not have to participate in the field sobriety tests. Additionally, these tests are often unreliable and can lead to false positives. If you choose not to participate, you will most likely be arrested, but at least you know that you have at least a few minutes to sober up in the backseat of the cruiser,” writes Nathan Laliberte on Complex.
I do not need a lawyer.
Finally, this myth is common in regard to all types of car accident cases. Your legal team is here to advocate on your behalf and lead you through every step of the complex legal process. If you ever think you do not need a lawyer, think again — despite your own experience in law, your legal professionals may have specific connections and other insight to provide that can significantly help your case. Ultimately, understanding these myths about drunk driving and DUI cases can help you make the right legal decisions when involved in an accident. For more information about car accident attorneys, contact Patrick O’Hara.