Personal Injury Blog

Drugged Driving Accidents

New Jersey accident attorneys hold drugged drivers accountable

The American Automobile Association reports that over 10,000 people died as a result of substance-impaired driving accidents in 2013. While most drivers are aware of the risks of driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, they may not be aware of the risks of driving while under the influence of drugs – including prescription medications. Anything that impairs a driver puts others on the roadway at risk. At the Leonard Legal Group, our experienced New Jersey accident attorneys hold drugged drivers accountable for their actions to the full extent under the law.

Many substances impair driving ability

In the United States, it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, regardless of whether the sale of the substance is legal in your community or whether it was a medication that was legally prescribed. Substances that can impair an individual’s driving ability include – but are not limited to – the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Prescription drugs
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Illegal drugs

Alcohol and marijuana impair a person’s ability to drive because they slow judgement, coordination, and reaction times. Some drugs – including cocaine and methamphetamine – can make drivers more reckless and aggressive. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Combining two or more drugs — including alcohol — can be particularly dangerous as it can intensify the impairing effects of each drug that has been consumed. Because impaired drivers cannot accurately assess their impairment, no one should drive after using any impairing substances.

What type of compensation can I receive for my drugged driving accident?

When an accident is the result of another person’s negligence – such as in a drugged driving accident – the injured party may file a personal injury claim. In filing the claim, the injured victim may seek compensatory damages for the injuries they sustained as a result of the drugged driving accident. In rewarding compensatory damages, the goal of the courts is to reimburse the injured victim for the harm they sustained from the accident and restore that individual to the condition they were in prior to the accident. Compensation in a personal injury claim may include any of the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of earned vacation and/or sick time
  • Loss of wages due to absence from work
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of consortium

If the loss does not have an exact monetary value – such as pain and suffering – the courts will determine the value based on the individual circumstances of the case.

Hit by a drugged driver in NJ? We can help

If you or a loved one has been hit by a drugged driver, we can help. In addition to sustaining injuries and other losses, you may feel angry and frustrated. At the Leonard Legal Group, we hold drugged drivers accountable. Our experienced accident attorneys fight tirelessly on your behalf and we don’t stop until you receive just compensation for your drugged driving accident. Our team is available to discuss your case, answer your questions, and present available legal options. Schedule a confidential consultation today by contacting our office at 973-984-1414 or contact us online.