Physical Injuries: How Badly Can They Affect Field Sobriety Tests?

Did you know that your physical injuries can have a major impact if you are put to a Field Sobriety Test (FST)?

You get pulled over by the cops for suspected DUI, and the cops ask you to perform a field sobriety test. Now, if you have a sprained ankle, would you be able to pass the test? Of course not! In fact, the tests might just render misleading results, for which you may have to face consequences!

Our expert Pittsburgh DUI attorneys at the Logue Law Group understand how physical injuries can affect these tests. Hence, if you are stuck in such a situation, don’t think twice, and call us at the Logue Law Group ASAP!

A Quick Glimpse at Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)

Before we get into the topic, let’s take a quick detour to understand the concept of Field Sobriety Tests.

So, FSTs are a set of physical tasks that cops frequently implement when they pull someone over for a suspected DUI. Some of the most common FSTs are-

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
• Walk and turn
• One leg stand

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these tests can indicate if a person is intoxicated or not. How so?

Because these tests require coordination, balance, and effective neurological functioning, which becomes distorted when a person is drunk!

However, what if a person has some existing physical injuries? Well, that can complicate the entire thing for sure! And that’s the reason why you need the assistance of a Pittsburgh DUI attorney to back you up and fight for you.

How Do Injuries Impact Each of the Above FSTs?

Now, let’s take a close look at how injuries affect each of the Field Sobriety Tests-

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

Also known as ‘eye-tracking,’ the cops ask you to follow an object side-to-side with your eyes. What they basically look for is involuntary jerking, which is common if you are intoxicated.

Now, if you have suffered from a concussion or vertigo, your eye movements might already be different from a normal person. Other than that, existing neurological disorders or tiredness might also lead to negative results.

Walk and turn

In this test, the cops ask you to take nine proper heel-to-toe steps in a straight line. Once you’re done, you need to pivot and return the same way. The cops actually look to see whether you get disbalanced, or have poor coordination, or if you fail to follow the instructions or not.

If you have existing conditions like a sprained ankle or a knee injury, you might struggle to complete this test. And that can ultimately render negative results.

One leg stand

As the name suggests, this test involves you standing on one leg and holding that stable position for 30 seconds. This test is basically done to see if you can hold your balance, which becomes impossible if you’re intoxicated.

Now, if you have an existing leg injury or a condition like sciatica, it can affect your ability to hold your balance and render misleading results!

What Should You Do in Such a Situation?

If you have been pulled over for suspected DUI, and the cops insist that you should take Field Sobriety Tests, inform them about your existing conditions. That way, you would have established your reason even if the test results are negative.

And if the cops still charge you for a DUI after this, make sure to inform your Pittsburgh DUI attorney, as this can be a crucial factor in your defense.

But remember to seek legal help in the first place! Why? Because only an experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorney has the power to challenge the validity of the tests. Not just that, but the professional can also challenge the biased testing and help you win your ticket to freedom!

So, if you do have any existing physical conditions that have led to misleading FST results, don’t hesitate and call our Pittsburgh DUI attorneys ASAP! Dial 844.PITT.DUI, or drop a mail at sean@seanloguelaw.com to book an appointment today!