In a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles the police may investigate whether the driver of any of the vehicles is under the influence of or intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, and are not limited to investigating and arresting only the driver who was at fault in the accident, for example.
In Florida, when a car crash or multi-vehicle incident occurs, law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate all drivers involved for potential impairment due to alcohol or drugs. This is not limited to the driver who appears to be at fault. Under Florida Statute 316.193, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a vehicle while one's normal faculties are impaired by alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances, or having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. If an officer has probable cause to believe a driver is under the influence, they can conduct field sobriety exercises and may request the driver to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test as per Florida's implied consent law (Florida Statute 316.1932). Refusal to submit to testing can result in license suspension and other penalties. An arrest for DUI can occur regardless of who caused the accident, and the penalties for DUI can include fines, imprisonment, license revocation, and mandatory DUI school, among others.