Drugs are a significant contributing factor to car accidents in the United States. Drug use, both legal and illegal, can impair driving in many ways by affecting reaction time, judgment, coordination, and concentration. If you are someone who was recently injured in a car accident involving a motorist who was on drugs, you need to continue reading and reach out to a seasoned New York City personal injury lawyer from our dedicated legal team today. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How frequently do drugs play a role in car accidents in the U.S.?
According to a recent study, roughly 55% of all motor vehicle fatalities involve drivers who have drugs or alcohol in their system. This is unacceptable, but it seems like there is, unfortunately, no end in sight to this issue.
The majority of drug-impaired driving incidents involve prescription medications such as opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone, stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, as well as depression medications such as Prozac or Zoloft. Stimulants can make tunnel vision worse, and opioids reduce reaction times significantly, along with dulling reflexes; add alcohol into this equation, and it’s an invitation for disaster.
What should I do if I’m hurt in an accident involving a driver who is on drugs?
If you are injured in a car accident involving another driver who was under the influence of drugs, you should first call the police to the scene of the accident. Next, you should ensure everyone is okay, or at least in stable condition. From here, you need to document exactly how the accident happened. This can include taking pictures of any damage to vehicles, pictures of injuries, and asking witnesses for their contact information. If the other driver appears to be on drugs, make note of this as well. Likely, law enforcement will require the driver to submit to testing to help determine whether he or she was impaired, as this will play a significant role in establishing fault in your accident.
Finally, once you receive medical treatment in a hospital, you should retain the services of a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can help you gather and present all evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim. As long as you do so, you should receive the compensation you deserve and need to heal. For further questions or if you wish to file a claim, give us a call or contact us online.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
