A Quick Guide to Drunk Driving Laws in Virginia

It is important to understand the consequences of drunk driving in Virginia. Here is a brief overview of Virginia’s drunk driving laws.

You may be the safest driver in the world; you may do everything right. But–that doesn’t mean that you’ll be safe from the recklessness of others.

If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident and are injured due to it, you’ll probably want to know how the law is on your side.

Luckily, the state of Virginia takes drunk driving laws incredibly seriously.

Read on to learn about Virginia’s drunk driving laws and how you can protect yourself if you’re injured by someone driving under the influence.

1. What is Considered Driving Under the Influence?

In the state of Virginia, it is considered illegal to drive under the influence. More specifically, it is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more (0.04% for commercial drivers).

It is worth noting that you can still be charged with a DUI if your blood content is less than the legal limit if it is impairing your ability to drive.

DUIs also apply to any drugs that may alter your driving ability.

If you’re a minor, Virginia practices a zero tolerance policy, meaning that any person under the age of 21 years will be charged with a DUI if any alcohol or drugs are found in their system.

2. Legal Consequences for Breaking Drunk Driving Laws

If you’re arrested for a DUI, the courts can immediately suspend your driver’s license. For your first DUI, you will pay a $250 fine, have your license suspended for one year, and will be enrolled in a mandatory driving class.

From there, each subsequent DUI will incur more severe penalties, with jail time being one of those consequences.

3. Next Steps If Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, here are the next steps you’ll want to take. Of course, you should first seek medical attention and gather documentation for any injuries that resulted from the accident.

You should call the police and have them administer a sobriety test or breathalyzer to establish that the other driver was drunk.

Then, you’ll want to contact a drunk driving attorney, which is a personal injury lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents.

They will help you pursue a case for any damages that you want to sue the driver for. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical injuries, damage to your vehicle and possessions, or even emotional trauma.

It’s key that you hire a lawyer that has experience in this field of law and is updated on Virginia’s drunk driving laws.

Don’t Wait to Seek Action

Being involved in a drunk driving incident can be extremely scary and emotionally taxing. A DUI lawyer can help you to ensure that you receive the compensation that is rightfully yours.

If you’ve been involved in a DUI case and want to seek damages against the driver, contact us today for a free session and consultation! We have the knowledge of drunk driving laws and are prepared to fight for you.