Drugged Driving Cases Can Be Complicated
Unfortunately, drugged driving is quite common despite it being illegal. For example, some people believe marijuana cannot impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. Others believe that marijuana use can make you a safe driver. Studies have shown that this is not true. Research indicates marijuana impairs lane tracking, motor skills, and cognitive functions. In other words, drug-impaired driving is dangerous.
After suffering injuries in a drugged driving accident in Florida, you may be eligible to file a claim against the drugged driver and recover compensation for your injuries and damages. However, you should know that drugged driving claims can be complicated. Usually, these claims are more complicated than drunk driving cases.
Why Are Drugged Driving Cases More Complex Than Drunk Driving Cases?
In a drunk-driving case, you might have proof of Blood-Alcohol Content (BAC) via a breathalyzer. But when it comes to a drug-involved case, you might lack evidence that the driver was drugged driving. There is no simple breathalyzer-like tool for identifying drug impairment on the spot. It is up to a police officer to detect a drugged driver and the unfortunate reality is that many officers lack enough training to detect drugged drivers. And even if an officer suspects that a driver was drugged driving, it can be challenging to prove. Additionally, even after a police officer detects a drugged driver and orders blood and urine testing, the results can come back negative. Some drugs are processed quickly in the body.
Tips To Protect Your Rights After a Drugged Driving Accident
Until there is a breathalyzer-like tool for identifying drug impairment on the spot, victims need to rely on other pieces of evidence that can help them prove a driver was drugged driving. After being in an accident with a driver you suspect is drugged, you should turn on all your senses when dealing with the driver. If you can remember things such as bloodshot eyes, sloppy gestures, the odor of marijuana, or slurred speech, that could serve as critical evidence.
Also, ensure you request a copy of the police report. Even an officer who cannot clearly point out that a driver was drugged driving might have useful information in their report that could help you prove that the driver was drugged driving.
Recovering Compensation in a Florida Drugged Driving Case
You might be qualified to recover compensation if you suffered injuries in a drugged driving accident. Nevertheless, to increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve, ensure you, among other things, seek prompt medical attention after your accident and contact an attorney. Seeking immediate medical attention can help establish a clear link between your accident and injuries and prove your injuries’ severity. And an attorney can help fight for the compensation you deserve.
After suffering injuries in a Florida drugged driving accident, the following are the damages you can recover;
- Economic damages – include lost wages, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-economic damages – include those losses that don’t have a price tag, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages – these are meant to punish the defendant.
Contact a Parkland Car Accident Lawyer
Our Parkland car accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder can help you with your drugged driving accident case. We can help you overcome evidence challenges and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving
