Drugged Driving Accidents

Car Collision Lawyer Serving Massachusetts

Most people are aware that drunk drivers pose a serious threat to motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian safety. An increasing risk on the roadway, however, is drugged driving. This includes any situation in which a motorist is driving under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs. There are countless different medications and narcotics that can compromise someone’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, including prescription pain pills, marijuana, and other illegal substances. We proudly serve collision victims throughout the state, and a skilled Massachusetts car accident attorney at our firm has the experience necessary to help you protect your rights. If you were injured in a car accident and suspect that a drugged driver was involved, contact us today to learn more about your potential right to compensation.

Drugged Driving Accidents in Massachusetts

It can be difficult to determine whether someone is driving while under the influence of drugs because there isn’t a test like a breathalyzer that can make the assessment immediately. But there are some signs that will indicate whether someone’s ability to drive safely has been compromised. One of the most dangerous aspects of drugged driving is delayed reaction time. Drivers need to be able to react to sudden changes in the road, such as a need for sudden braking, debris, and inclement weather. Drugs can impair reaction time and slow the driver’s ability to make appropriate corrections on the road.

Many substances can also make the driver drowsy, creating a serious risk that he or she will fall asleep behind the wheel. When a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, he or she can drift into oncoming traffic, fail to yield the right-of-way, or careen into pedestrians in a crosswalk or on an adjacent walkway. Some drugs may also make the person taking them nonsensical, delusional, or induce hallucinations.

Seeking Compensation from a Drugged Driver

Similar to a drunk driver, a drugged driver may be subject to criminal prosecution for any injuries or property damage that results from an accident they cause. This is separate and independent from whether or not the victim decides to assert a civil claim for compensation. A drugged driving accident is a type of personal injury lawsuit. This requires the plaintiff to show that the defendant’s decision to take drugs before driving was unreasonable and careless, and that the plaintiff’s injuries happened as a direct and foreseeable result of this decision. Many doctors will include warnings on prescription drugs that warn against driving while taking the substance, while illegal drugs are never allowed in any circumstance. In some instances, the defendant may claim that he or she was not aware that the drugs he or she were prescribed lead to some of these safety-related concerns, but this is not an excuse for drugged driving. Obtaining a copy of any police reports prepared in response to the accident can help you determine whether the driver involved was under the influence of any drugs at the time of the accident.

There are a variety of damages available to the victim of a drugged driving accident. Depending on the severity of the crash, the victim may have serious injuries and major medical expenses. The plaintiff can seek compensation for reasonable medical bills related to the accident, as well as compensation for future medical bills. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity stemming from any permanent injuries or disabilities are also recoverable. A dedicated car accident lawyer can help you ensure that you seek the full amount of compensation that you deserve.

Speak with a Dedicated Car Accident Attorney in Massachusetts

Car accidents are one of the most stressful occurrences that someone can experience in his or her life, especially if the outcome includes catastrophic injuries and damages. A dedicated attorney at our Massachusetts firm is available to serve clients in areas around Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, and Peabody. As a result of our experience in this arena, we understand exactly what the victim of a sudden and unexpected car accident is going through, and we strive to provide the compassionate and responsive legal counsel that you deserve. Call us today at  (800) 262-9200 or contact us online to get started.