Blood Alcohol Content: How it Applies to Me

driver bac testingIn Nevada, it is prohibited for a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over 0.08 percent. Anyone pulled over driving above the legal BAC limit can face penalties, including but not limited to, jail time, fines, and being sent to alcohol treatment programs. Drunk driving can be a severe offense and can cause severe injuries if involved in an accident. If you have been the victim of an alcohol related accident or have been accused of Driving under the Influence, call the law office of Nobles & Yanez for legal assistance.

What is Blood Alcohol Content?

BAC measures how much alcohol is in your blood, affecting every organ of your body, including your brain. Calculating a person’s BAC level is based on how much alcohol was consumed, over how long a period, and body type. Typical BAC levels range among the following:

  • 0.0 percent BAC = sober
  • 0.08 percent BAC or higher = legally “per se” intoxicated

If you have questions about your BAC results, speak with an attorney immediately.

What is a Blood Alcohol Test?

A BAC test measures the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. The most common method of taking a BAC test involved using a breathalyzer. This test is often given by police officers when they suspect someone of drunk driving. The breathalyzer provides fast results, but it is not very accurate in measuring alcohol in the blood.

 

Can I Challenge a Breathalyzer Test Results?

A breathalyzer calculates your BAC based on the air you exhale and multiplies that amount by the number 2,100. This is known as a partition ratio. This is because the average person exhales approximately 1/2100th of the alcohol amount that is in their blood. However, other variables are not taken into account, such as body temperature and respiration rate, resulting in inaccurate data.

Additionally, some alcohol substances may still be in a person’s mouth, leading to a higher result. If you are not sure about the results of your breathalyzer test, call an accident attorney in Las Vegas Nevada, to discuss your options and see if it is possible to challenge the test results.

Symptoms of High Blood Alcohol Content

As a person’s BAC levels increase, they can experience different symptoms, including difficulty walking and speaking. Other symptoms include slowed reflexes, poor judgment, mood swings, nausea, confusion, and drowsiness. Those with a BAC above 0.40 percent are at risk of alcohol poisoning, coma, or death. If you have been injured by a drunk driver or due to someone else’s negligence, call us for assistance.

What Affects Blood Alcohol Content?

Alcohol affects every person differently, and the amount someone can drink and fully function varies on several factors. Primarily, BAC is affected by how much you drink, what you drink, and how long it takes you to drink. Other factors in your BAC levels include age, gender, medications, emotional state, food eaten, body type, fat content, muscle mass, and weight.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you have been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will help file your claim, deal with the insurance company, and help you win your case. Alternatively, if you have been pulled over for drunk driving, we can zealously defend you in court to obtain the best outcome possible. Call today to schedule your consultation and learn how our attorneys can help you with your case.