Drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs pose a significant threat to public safety. If you were involved in a crash with one, an Aurora car accident lawyer can help you hold them accountable.
No car accident claim is a guaranteed win. A drugged driving accident lawyer in Aurora from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can help establish liability in your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How a Drugged Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
An Aurora drugged driving accident lawyer can make a substantial difference when it comes to recovering fair compensation. They can:
- Investigate your accident
- Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records
- Calculate damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of drugged driving accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: You can be reimbursed for time missed from work due to the crash.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can be compensated for damage to your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Long-term care: You can recover compensation for ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or modifications to your home (if needed).
An Aurora personal injury lawyer can help ensure that all potential damages are considered and pursued in your claim.
What Is Drugged Driving?
Drugged driving occurs when a person operates a vehicle while impaired by drugs. Unlike alcohol-related impairment, drug impairment can be more difficult to detect. Common drugs that contribute to accidents include:
- Marijuana: This can impair judgment, reaction time, and motor coordination.
- Prescription medications: Painkillers, sedatives, and anti-anxiety medications can cause drowsiness or slowed reflexes.
- Illegal substances: Cocaine, methamphetamines, and other illegal drugs can lead to erratic behavior and impaired decision-making.
- Over–the–counter medications: Certain cold or allergy medications can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Even small amounts of these substances can impair a driver enough to cause an accident.
Common Causes of Drugged Driving Accidents
Drugged driving accidents can occur for several reasons. Common causes include:
- Impaired judgment: Drugs can distort a driver’s perception of speed, distance, and road conditions.
- Slowed reaction times: Medications or recreational drugs can delay a driver’s response to sudden changes, such as a pedestrian crossing or another vehicle stopping suddenly.
- Drowsiness or fatigue: Many prescription or over-the-counter medications induce sleepiness, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Erratic driving behavior: Illegal substances like cocaine or methamphetamine can cause aggressive driving, lane weaving, and disregard for traffic signals.
- Mixing substances: Combining alcohol with prescription or illegal drugs significantly increases impairment and accident risk.
Common Injuries in Drugged Driving Accidents
Drugged driving accidents often result in severe injuries. Common ones include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations or burns
These injuries frequently require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent lifestyle adjustments. Victims may also face emotional and psychological trauma. A drugged driving accident attorney in Aurora can help you recover damages for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Drugged Driving Accident
After an accident with a drugged driver, it’s important to:
- Call emergency services: Ensure everyone receives medical attention and that the accident is documented by the police.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of vehicles, injuries, and any visible evidence of drug use, such as paraphernalia or unusual behavior from the other driver.
- Get witnesses’ contact information: Witnesses can provide statements that support your account of the accident.
- Seek medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a thorough medical evaluation to document them for your case.
- Notify your insurance company: Provide accurate details to your insurer without admitting fault.
- Consult an attorney: A lawyer can help you get started putting together your claim.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Drugged Driving Accident Case?
The likelihood of success in a drugged driving accident case depends on several factors, including the clarity of evidence and the severity of your injuries. Key considerations include:
- Police and toxicology reports: A documented record of drug impairment significantly strengthens a case.
- Witness statements: Independent accounts of erratic driving or the accident itself can support your claim.
- Extent of injuries: Clear documentation of physical and emotional harm increases the potential for compensation.
While every case is unique, strong evidence and thorough documentation make it far more likely that you will recover fair compensation. An attorney can help assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best legal approach.
Get Help from a Drugged Driving Accident Attorney in Aurora
Drugged driving accidents present unique legal challenges. An Aurora drugged driving accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can gather evidence to prove the other driver’s impairment and help you obtain a fair settlement for the crash.
Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can get justice.
