Many people rely on a designated driver to help everyone get home safely after drinking. However, if an impaired driver caused your injuries, you may wonder whether anyone besides the driver shares responsibility for the crash.
Here are the key factors that may affect the situation.
A designated driver’s actions may still be reviewed
A designated driver is not automatically removed from the investigation. If questions arise about what happened before the crash, law enforcement may also consider whether that person followed through with the role they agreed to take and what they observed throughout the event.
For example, they may examine whether the designated driver:
- Remained sober throughout the outing
- Was available when it was time to leave
- Noticed signs that the impaired person intended to drive anyway
The designated driver may also provide valuable information about the group’s plans, the driver’s condition and the events leading up to the crash. That information can help investigators build a more complete timeline and understand what happened before the accident.
What happened after leaving the establishment matters
The events leading up to the accident can make a difference. If the person who had been drinking unexpectedly decided to drive instead of riding with the designated driver, investigators will want to understand how that decision unfolded.
They may review details such as:
- Where the group went after
- Who had access to the vehicle
- Whether anything changed before the crash
Investigators may also compare those details with witness statements, surveillance or dashcam footage and other available evidence to better understand what happened before the incident.
Look beyond assumptions after a drunk driving crash
Even when a sober driver was part of the original plan, the events leading up to the accident may still raise important legal questions. Reviewing what happened with an attorney can help you understand how Georgia’s drunk driving and personal injury laws may apply to your situation. They can also help identify potentially responsible parties and explain your legal options.