Appleton, WI drunk driving accident injury lawyerMany people consume alcohol on a regular basis, and doing so is legal for those who are over the age of 21. However, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking is illegal if a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is at least .08%, and any amount of alcohol in a person’s system can affect their ability to drive safely. Drunk driving accidents often occur because a person believes they have not become too intoxicated to drive or because they do not realize how the alcohol they have consumed has affected them. Victims of these types of accidents will need legal representation to ensure that a person who drove while intoxicated is held responsible for the harm caused in a collision.

How the Number of Drinks Affects a Person’s BAC

The effects that alcohol can have on a person may differ depending on their gender, their weight, and whether they have a full stomach. However, alcohol usually enters a person’s system quickly, causing them to feel “tipsy.” After a few drinks, a person will experience impairments to their judgment, balance, coordination, reaction time, and vision, all of which can make it difficult or impossible to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Alcohol intoxication will usually depend on the number of drinks a person has consumed over a short period of time (two to three hours). A standard drink may consist of 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 8-9 ounces of malt liquor. People’s tolerance for alcohol can vary, with some people becoming intoxicated after one to two drinks and others not being significantly affected until they have had four or five drinks.

Generally, men will become legally intoxicated after drinking several drinks. Men who weigh 180 pounds will usually have a BAC of .08% after four drinks, while men who weigh 240 pounds will usually reach a BAC of .08% after five drinks. Because women are usually smaller than men, they can become intoxicated more quickly. Women who weigh 160 pounds will usually have a BAC of .08% after three drinks, while women who weigh 200 pounds will usually reach this BAC level after four drinks.

However, even if a person is below the legal limit, they may still be too intoxicated to drive safely. Any amount of alcohol in a person’s system can affect their ability to control a motor vehicle and avoid collisions with other vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, or obstacles. The best way to prevent drunk driving accidents is to never get behind the wheel after even one drink of alcohol.

Contact Our Green Bay, WI Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by a person who had been drinking, Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can provide you with legal representation and help you pursue financial compensation. We will gather the necessary evidence to show that the person acted unsafely and put you at risk, and we will fight to make sure you are fully compensated for all of your damages. Contact our Appleton drunk driving accident attorneys at 920-739-7366 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-does-it-take-to-get-drunk