When you think of impaired driving, you may immediately think of drunk driving. While this is unfortunately common, many don’t think about the dangers of driving while on drugs. As marijuana becomes legal in more and more states, understanding drug-related driving laws is essential to staying safe on the road. If you were involved in a collision and believe the other driver was impaired by drugs, ensuring you contact seasoned car accident attorneys for assistance is essential to getting the justice you are entitled to. Keep reading to learn more about drugs and car accidents and how they can affect other drivers on the road.
How do drugs and car accidents correlate?
Unfortunately, studies show that there is a significant amount of correlation between those impaired by drugs or alcohol and fatal accidents. This is due to the fact that these substances can reduce cognitive abilities and motor skills. Some drugs, like cocaine, are stimulants. This means it increases and speeds up your functions, causing you to make immediate and rash decisions, which can lead to behavior like speeding, aggressive driving, and overconfidence in your ability to operate a vehicle.
However, other drugs are depressants, which slow your body’s reaction times and inhibit your coordination. Slower reaction times can make it challenging to react to hazards or comprehend traffic signs. You may also lose control of the vehicle as your motor functions decrease, meaning you can veer into oncoming traffic or fail to maintain a safe speed.
Unfortunately, prescription medication can also impact drivers significantly. Many assume because a doctor wrote the prescription, it is completely safe to consume before driving. This is not the case, as prescription medication can impair a person’s ability to drive, regardless of whether or not the drug was obtained legally.
What should I do if I think the driver who hit me is on drugs?
If you’re involved in an accident and suspect the driver of the vehicle is impaired by drugs, ensuring you take the necessary steps after the collision is crucial. You should begin by contacting the police. This is essential, as it generates a record of the accident while allowing the police to assess the condition of the other driver. If they agree that the other driver appears to be under the influence of a substance, they will take the necessary precautions to determine the sobriety of the negligent driver.
Next, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove liability. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for car injuries is only two years from the date of the accident. Ensuring you file as soon as possible is essential to getting the compensation you deserve.
At Friedman Schuman, we understand how catastrophic car accident injuries can be and the impact they’ll have on the rest of your life. Contact our law office today to learn how we can represent you to help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered from a negligent driver.
