The Rise of Drugged Driving
You may not realize just how big of a problem drugged driving is. According to a recent joint report by the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, in 2015 positive drug tests were more common than the presence of alcohol among fatally injured drivers who were tested. The report further states that 43 percent of motorists who died had drugs in their system, a number that surpasses the number of motorists who died who had tested positive for alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although the 39 percent of positive drug tests in 2015 were for marijuana — which is legal in 29 states, including New Jersey — more than half of the positive tests were caused by “other drugs.”
So what are the dangers involved in driving while under the influence of drugs? It can be difficult to say since drugs affect people differently. The report states that “many officers are not trained to identify the signs and symptoms of drivers impaired by drugs other than alcohol.” Although there are specialized training courses available for law enforcements, it’s hard to evaluate someone during a simple traffic stop.
What to Do If You Get into An Accident With an Impaired Driver
So let’s say you get into an accident with a driver who is on drugs? What are your legal options?
When you get into a drunk driving accident, it’s important to know what steps you need to take just after the accident. Like any car accident, you need to take the proper steps, such as call emergency services, make sure your injuries are taken care of, and contact the insurance company. For the driver, he/she will be facing aggravated assault with an auto, regardless of who is at fault. But you do have the option to sue that driver for compensation to pay for any lost wages, medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering and, if necessary, funeral expenses.
But you will need an experienced attorney to assist with your case. For almost 30 years, attorney Anthony Carbone has bee assisting clients throughout New Jersey. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with a drugged driver, now is the time to act. Contact us for a free consultation.