While everyone knows that driving under the influence, whether that is drink or drugs, is illegal, many are unsure about exactly how many drinks they are allowed to have before they can’t drive. The legal limit above which you must not drive is 35 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine. This translates into roughly four units of alcohol for men, equivalent to two pints of normal-strength beer, or three units for women which translates to roughly a large glass of average strength wine. However, many advise that it is safest to not drink at all if you are planning to drive later on.

Drink Driving

What many people do not necessarily consider is that if you have been out drinking the night before, you may still be over the legal limit in the morning when attempting to get to work or somewhere else. Therefore, it is important to remember that there is no way to speed the process up of getting alcohol out of your system and you should avoid driving the morning after a night of drinking. 

The police have the right to stop you and test your breath for alcohol if you have been in a collision or appear to be driving recklessly. The penalties for drink and drug driving can be very severe, ranging from a driving ban to imprisonment. You will also get a criminal record and your insurance premiums will increase greatly. 

Drug Driving

Similarly, drug driving also receives severe penalties. As taking drugs is illegal within itself, the penalties could also be higher if you are found to be in possession of any illegal substances when you are pulled over. The police are entitled to carry out roadside tests and penalties could similarly range from a driving ban, community service or imprisonment. 

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault and was caused because of alcohol or drugs, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.

Absolutely fantastic, good advice and solid support. First Personal Injury understood my personal situation and helped work around it to better my needs.

David from Nottinghamshire
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 If you wish to make a compensation claim, should also seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you with the legal process. There is often a three-year time limit for making compensation claims in personal injury cases, so it is advisable that you contact a solicitor as soon as possible. Compensation is decided upon an individual basis, taking into account the pain, suffering, loss of function/amenity and any financial losses that have occurred due to the accident. Therefore, to understand how much compensation you are likely to be owed, you should discuss your case with a personal injury solicitor directly.

Making Personal Injury Claims

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. First Personal Injury solicitors are available to assist you and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. 

First Personal Injury work with both families and individuals across England and Wales, leading them on their legal journey and helping them claim compensation after an accident or injury.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online. 

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