In the US, the number of drivers who use marijuana and prescription medications that change their mood is rising. While driving while intoxicated is prohibited in the US, drugged driving may be less clear-cut. Alcohol, various over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as illegal narcotics, are a few of the substances that can potentially impair the ability to drive.
A driver could be considered negligent and accountable for an accident if they operate a vehicle after ingesting or using these substances.
If you suspect that another driver was under the influence of illicit drugs and caused an accident in Connecticut, it is important to speak with a CT car accident lawyer to explore your options. The team at Brandon J. Broderick can help you navigate the sometimes complex legal process and recover damages.
Drugged Driving Explained
The way each drug affects the brain varies. Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs make it difficult to concentrate and respond quickly, which makes it unsafe to drive. Sedatives, on the other hand, might result in significant drowsiness and dizziness, which can cause an accident, while cocaine can make people drive more aggressively than usual. The sedative effects of several medicines can be amplified when coupled with alcohol.
The drug that is most frequently detected in the blood of drivers involved in accidents, after alcohol, is marijuana. The amount of the mind-altering component of marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in the blood is measured in tests to identify marijuana use in drivers. The psychomotor skills and cognitive processes necessary for driving, such as alertness, time and distance perception, reaction time, divided attention, lane tracking, coordination, and balance, are all impacted by marijuana use.
In addition to marijuana, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that "prescription drugs are also commonly linked to drugged driving crashes." According to a 2010 survey conducted across the country, 47% of the drivers involved in fatal accidents had positive drug tests for prescribed medications in their systems. The most typical prescription substance found in a driver's system was painkillers.
Who is Liable in An Accident Caused by Drugged Driving?
Even if a person has a legitimate prescription for medicinal marijuana or a prescription medicine, that person is still responsible for the accident if they were at fault. Just because a driver's medication was prescribed by a doctor, it does not automatically absolve them of liability if they cause an accident while using it.
The warning labels on over-the-counter medications and prescription medications state that they can induce impairment and that a person should not drive or operate machinery while using them. Intoxicated drivers technically have a legal right to consume alcohol and drive, but they also have a "duty of care" to others while driving, which is why there are legal limits of intoxication for driving. It is still a driver's responsibility to drive relatively safely to prevent an accident or and an injury to other people. Drugged drivers are frequently liable for the accident-related injuries.
What Damages Am I Entitled To For Drugged Driving in CT
You may be entitled to compensation if you were hurt in a drugged driving accident. Damages available could consist of lost wages (if you become incapacitated and are unable to work), medical costs, pain and suffering, vehicle repair costs, and more.
In addition to your attorney expenses, you can potentially be entitled to double or triple damages.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Drugged Driving Accident?
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law will assist you in your time of need if you are a victim of a drugged driving accident. Your case will be handled by experienced car accident attorneys who will gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, pursue punitive damages (if applicable) and other compensation, and investigate the accident.
Do not worry about payment. We work on contingency, which means we are only paid if you win your case. If we lose, we are paid nothing. Call us today and let's discuss the accident during a no-cost case evaluation.