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 Louisiana, when a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles occurs, law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate all drivers involved for potential impairment due to alcohol or drugs, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This means that any driver, not just the one who caused the accident, can be subject to field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or other forms of examination if there is reasonable suspicion of intoxication. If a driver is found to be under the influence, they can be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14:98. The state's implied consent law also means that drivers have consented to chemical tests for intoxication just by driving on Louisiana roads, and refusal to submit to such tests can lead to additional penalties.