Car Accident Lawyer

For decades, law enforcement and safety advocates have worked diligently to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving. Far too many victims have sustained catastrophic injuries or died because a person made the decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive. Now there is another danger lurking behind the wheel – drugged drivers. As the opioid epidemic has taken over the country, more and more car accidents are happening because of drugged driving.

In fact, in one year, 47% of the drivers who were involved in fatal car accidents tested positive to having drugs in their system at the time of the crash. This means that drugged driving has now surpassed drunk driving as a vehicle crash cause. Drugged driving presents an avalanche of issues that make it much harder to combat than drunk driving, including:

•       Lack of data: While there have been thousands of studies conducted on the effects of alcohol and driving, there has not been nearly enough research conducted on medicinal or recreational drug use and their impact on driving.
•       There are currently more than 400 different drugs in the government’s database, whereas alcohol is only one easily identifiable substance.
•       While many people now frown on drunk driving, the majority of society is not aware of the dangers of drugged driving.
•       There are specific risks associated with alcohol. The risks associated with drugged driving depend on what type of drug the driver is under the influence of.

What Is Being Done to Prevent Drugged Driving Accidents?

As the issue of drugged driving becomes more recognized, the federal government, along with state and local agencies, are making a concerted effort to combat drugged driving accidents. One of the major initiatives being taken is to educate the public of just how dangerous – and prevalent – this issue has become. Many states are also enacting tougher drugged driving laws, as a car accident lawyer such as one at Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, is familiar with. In most states, driving under the influence of drugs can result in loss of license, heavy fines, and even a potential jail sentence. There is also new training being provided to law enforcement officers to help identify drivers who may be operating under the influence of drugs.

Have You Been Injured in a Drugged Driving Crash?

If you have been injured in a drugged driving accident, call an experienced lawyer today. You may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses your injuries have caused, including medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, scarring, disfigurement, and more. It is important to remember that even if the drugged driver was arrested at the scene, the criminal charges they are facing will have no bearing on any civil liability they may have. Call our office today to speak with a car accident attorney and find out how we can help.