While you are driving home one night, you may have a driver in front of you that is operating their vehicle in an erratic way, causing you to suspect that they are under the effects of alcohol. If so, there are several signs you need to look for to determine whether you are correct in your suspicions so you can steer clear of their car to keep from getting into an accident.

Driver Is Tailgating the Car in Front of Them

Another sign that you are driving behind a person who is intoxicated is when you see them driving very close to the bumper of the car in front of them. If they know they are not driving well because of the alcohol, they may tailgate the person in front of them so that they can mimic their vehicle's movements.

When a drunk driver is tailgating a car, there is an increased risk that they will run into the person in front of them. Because of their slowed ability to think and reflexes, they may not be able to stop in time if the vehicle in front of them brakes or slows down suddenly.

If you are behind the drunk driver when this happens, you run the risk of then crashing into them or veering off into a ditch to avoid hitting them. If you see this tailgating behavior, make sure you put plenty of space between your and their vehicles.

If this type of accident does occur, and you accidentally run into both of the drivers, you would not be held legally liable in this case. If you were unable to avoid the accident caused by the drunk driver, they are clearly liable and would be responsible for not only any legal repercussions but for compensating any injuries you and anyone else sustained.

Brake Lights Are Constantly Flashing

Another way alcohol may be affecting the driver in front of you is by altering their perception of speed. Even if they are going below the speed limit, they may feel as though they are going very fast.

Whenever they feel as though they are speeding up too quickly, they will hit their brakes. Then, when the drunk driver speeds up again, even if it is only to the normal speed, they will brake again. As a result, you may see their brake lights flash constantly as they keep attempting to slow themselves down.

If you get behind a drunk brake rider, keep a close eye out on their vehicle. If they tend to ride their brakes while going down the road, they may suddenly decide to stop the car completely, even if there is no reason for them to do so.

Also, when you do come up on an intersection behind them, watch out for early braking. They may end up stopping way before the stoplight or stop sign, possibly thinking that they are right where they are supposed to be.

If they stop before you are ready, you could end up in an accident. In the case of this type of accident, the person liable may not be as clear cut.

Although the drunk driver is the one who caused the accident, you were the one who ran into them. However, after an investigation that determines that the driver was drunk, you may still be able to make a claim against them with the help of an attorney.

Even if you recognize the signs of a drunk driver, their impaired driving skills may still have resulted in a car accident in which you were injured. If so, contact a personal injury attorney to set up a consultation to see if you are legally entitled to compensation for your injuries that were caused by the intoxicated driver. For more information, contact specialists like Loughlin Fitzgerald P C.