Is Buzzed Driving the Same as Drunk Driving?

Buzzing driving is drunk driving according to legal codes around the country. Drivers who get behind the wheel while buzzed can endanger themselves and others on the road, often causing major collisions. 

A Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can provide more information about the hazards of buzzed driving and your options after a collision. Buzzed drivers may have to cover all of your financial losses.

Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.

What Is Buzzed Driving?

Some people define buzzed driving as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.01% but under the legal limit of 0.08%. Technically, buzzed driving may not result in an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).

However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, increasing the chances of a collision.

You can contact a Phoenix car accident lawyer for help if a buzzed driver strikes you.  

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Why Is Buzzed Driving Dangerous?

Buzzed driving is dangerous because any amount of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. Drivers with a 0.02% BAC may have a harder time performing two tasks at the same time and may experience lessened visual function.

Once drivers hit a BAC of 0.05%, they often experience:

• Reduced coordination
• Slower response times
• A harder time steering
• Issues tracking moving objects

Any of these effects can make a driver more dangerous to others on the road, increasing the chances of a crash and making buzzed driving dangerous. So, is buzzed driving the same as drunk driving?

While buzzed driving may not result in a DUI conviction, it poses a tremendous risk, just like drunk driving. 

Does a Buzzed Driver Have to Pay After an Accident?

A buzzed driver may have to compensate anyone injured in an accident they caused through dangerous or reckless actions. However, driving while buzzed does not automatically make another motorist responsible for a collision.

In order to get compensation from a buzzed driver, a Phoenix personal injury lawyer must show that the motorist owed another party a duty of care, violated that duty, and directly caused a collision, resulting in injuries and financial losses. 

How Do Lawyers Show that a Buzzed Driver Caused a Crash?

Attorneys quickly investigate accidents to collect evidence demonstrating a buzzed driver’s negligence. This evidence may include: 

• The official police report about the collision 
• Statements taken from all eyewitnesses 
• Photos and videos showing the crash
• The BAC test results of the buzzed driver

Collecting evidence can establish liability and give drivers a chance to secure compensation to cover their losses. 

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What Compensation Do Buzzed Drivers Have to Provide?

Buzzed drivers may have to cover all of another party’s losses after a collision in Arizona. Depending on the circumstances, a buzzed driver may have to pay for your:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Vehicle repair costs
• Pain and emotional suffering

Is buzzed driving the same as drunk driving when it comes to financial responsibility after a collision? Yes, buzzed drivers and drunk drivers may both have to cover all of the expenses associated with a crash they caused. 

The civil court system will not allow someone to avoid paying for the losses they caused just because their BAC didn’t exceed the legal limit. 

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Do Buzzed Drivers Lose Their License?

Arizona may not suspend a buzzed driver’s license after a crash, depending on several factors. In this way, the legal system treats buzzed drivers and drunk drivers differently. 

However, a buzzed driver may face a license suspension if they engaged in aggressive driving prior to an accident or if they have a certain number of points on their license, regardless of their BAC percentage. 

Is Buzzed Driving Like Drunk Driving for Commercial Drivers?

Buzzed and drunk driving are both dangerous when they involve commercial motorists. Arizona requires commercial motorists to keep their BAC under 0.04% when driving for work, so they may face DUI charges even while driving buzzed. 

An attorney can provide more information if a commercial driver struck your vehicle and caused injuries while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Learn More About Buzzed and Drunk Driving in Arizona

Is buzzed driving the same as drunk driving in Arizona? While buzzed driving may not result in a DUI conviction, it poses the same dangers to other motorists as drunk driving. You can reach out to our team at Zanes Law for help if a buzzed driver strikes you. 

We can immediately collect evidence to build your claim and track all the financial losses you experience. We can help with an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You can learn more by calling or completing our online contact form. 

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form