Chicago Drug-Impaired Driver Car Accident Lawyer

Drivers under the influence of drugs can be just as dangerous as those drunk behind the wheel. In many cases, car crashes caused by drug-impaired drivers result in severe injuries and death.

Were you or a loved one injured in a drug-impaired driving accident? What do you do next? It can be a confusing time.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our legal team understands the severity of these accidents, and our law firm is here to help walk you through this complex process.

Contact our Chicago car accident law firm today for a free case evaluation if you have been injured in motor vehicle crashes with a driver who was high on drugs. Our law firm will fight for your rights and ensure that the negligent party is held accountable for their actions.

Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation.

Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications Can Make a Driver Impaired

One of the most common types of drunk driving drivers is those under the influence of prescription medications. Studies have shown that prescription drugs are involved in more car accidents than illegal drugs.

Many people don't realize that prescription drugs can impair a motorist’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Some of the most common prescription medications that can impair a driver's ability include

• Painkillers
• Sedatives
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications

These drugs can make a driver feel drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. They can also slow down a driver's reaction time and impair their ability to think clearly.

Over-the-counter medications can also impair a motorist’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Some of the most common over-the-counter medications that can cause impairment include:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Sleep aids.

The Statistics of Drugged Driving Accidents

It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 alcohol- and drug-impaired crashes each year. These accidents result in more than 30,000 injuries and nearly 10,000 deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 18 percent of traffic impaired driving accidents involve drugged drivers.

The majority of these accidents involve drivers under the influence of prescription medications. However, there has been a recent increase in the number of accidents involving drivers under the influence of marijuana.

The catastrophic accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities caused by drug-driver impairment are significant. The reckless behavior of these drivers can cause severe injuries, car crashes, property damage, and even death.

That is why it is so important to have a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side if you are injured in an accident caused by a drug-impaired driver.

Drug-Impaired Driving: Risk Factors

Several factors can increase a driver's risk of being involved in a drugged driving accident. Some of the most common risk factors include:

Age:

Teenagers and young adults are the most at-risk group for being involved in a drugged driving accident. The percentage of drivers involved in a drug-impaired driving accident between the ages of 16 and 25 is more than three times higher than the percentage of drivers over 26.

Gender:

Men are more likely to be involved in a drug-impaired driving accident than women. The reason for this is not entirely apparent, but it may be because men are more likely to take risks while driving because of drug use.

Type of Drug:

The type of drug that a driver uses can also increase their risk of accident involvement. Drivers who are under the influence of marijuana are more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers who use other drugs.

Occupation:

Drivers with sedentary employment are more likely to be involved in a drug-impaired driving accident than those with an active career. It may be because people who have a sedentary occupation are more likely to take prescription medications.

Illness:

Drivers who are sick or injured are also more likely to be involved in a drugged driving accident. This may be because they take medications that impair their ability to drive safely.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Their Effects on Drivers

The effect of alcohol on a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle is well known. However, the impact of drugs on a motorist’s ability to operate a motor vehicle is not as well known.

Several different drugs can impair a motorist’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Some of the most common medications that can cause impairment include:

• Drowsiness
• Impaired vision
• Slowed reaction time
• Poor coordination
• Impaired judgment

Did a drug-impaired driver injure you? The first step is to seek medical attention for your injuries. The next step is to contact a skilled accident injury lawyer.

What Methods Can I Use to Determine Driver Drug Impairment?

There will be several methods that can be used to determine driver impairment. The most common way is a blood test. However, other methods can be used, including

1. Field sobriety tests
2. Breathalyzers

The illicit drug use most commonly involved in drug impairment accidents are

• Marijuana
• Cocaine

The fatally injured drivers who tested positive for driving under the influence of drugs in these accidents tend to have used one or more of the drugs listed above. The data on illicit drugs is much higher than drivers who died in accidents where alcohol was involved.

If fatally injured drivers tested positive for drugs, they would likely be charged with driving while impaired.

A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you navigate through the complexities of a personal injury case. They will also be able to help you obtain recovery compensation that includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Benefits of Hiring a Drug-Impaired Driving Accident Lawyer:

When you are injured in an accident with a drug-impaired driver, it is essential to have a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side. A lawyer can help you obtain the recovery you deserve for your injuries.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until we win full and fair compensation for you.

Getting the Justice and Compensation You Deserve

A lawyer from a renowned law office can help you file an accident claim if you have been injured in an accident with a drug-impaired driver.

It is always a good idea to have a lawyer on your side when dealing with the aftermath of a car accident. Contact a law office today to learn more about how they can help you.

Allow a Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You After an Accident With a Drugged Driver

If you are injured in an accident with a drugged driver, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer. We have extensive experience helping people who have been injured in accidents with drug-impaired drivers.

We know how to negotiate with the insurance company. We will work on your behalf to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, offers a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us. We will review your case and let you know how we can help. Our expertise in this area of the law means that you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we will do everything we can to make the process easier for you. We are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss a financial recovery.

Resources:

• NHTSA - Drug-Impaired Accidents
• FMCSA - When Testing For Drugs Is Necessary