A Drugged Driving Auto Accident Can Change Your Life in an Instant

What to Do After a Drugged Driving Car Accident

A negligent driver who endangers others on the road can be legally liable for your physical and emotional damages, even if the drugs they took weren’t specifically illegal. When prescribed by a doctor, there are many legal medications that may interfere with your ability to properly navigate roads—especially if they are mixed with alcohol or marijuana. 

Although both medical and recreational legalization has arrived in an increasing number of states, including Virginia, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal. The bottom line is that you need to talk to an attorney if you suspect the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of:

• Alcohol, especially when combined with over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs
• Illicit drugs
• Prescription medication
• Marijuana

In order to show that the other driver owes you compensation for your injuries, you have to prove they were actually under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. That’s where an attorney becomes an invaluable resource in protecting yourself legally. A personal injury attorney’s job is to perform an in-depth investigation, prove who was responsible for your injury, and show what damages they owe you.

Because of the difficulty in proving drug usage, it’s important to report your suspicions to law enforcement and first responders when they arrive at the scene of your accident. If they don’t smell alcohol, the officers may not request a breathalyzer or blood test at all. Even when a DUI is given for failing an alcohol sobriety test, the officers on the scene may not request a blood test for the presence of other drugs that could impact an insurance settlement or court case. 

Having as much evidence as possible available is critical to negotiating with insurance or presenting a compelling case in court against the drugged driver. For the best chance at recovering compensation, always take these steps at the scene:

• Avoid interacting with the other driver, especially if they are exhibiting erratic or angry behavior that may be drug-related
• Put together as much evidence as possible by taking photos and videos, as well as gathering contact info for anyone who saw the drugged driver’s behavior
• See a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries
• Talk to a personal injury lawyer with experience in your specific type of accident and injury

You Need an Experienced Car Accident Attorney If You Were Hit by a Drugged Driver

Anyone who has dealt with a serious car crash probably knows to expect extensive medical bills, especially if you suffered a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage, but many victims don’t realize just how much the accident will affect your family financially. 

Even if you can eventually return to work and go back to normal physical activity, the long-term emotional effects are often considerable and can get in the way of enjoying everyday activity. By working alongside an attorney, you can seek compensation covering:

• Costs for your emergency room trip and initial treatment
• Ongoing medical bills for future surgeries, medications, and therapies
• Property damage to your vehicle in the drugged driving crash
• Non-economic damages stemming from the injury like anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain and suffering, and loss of qualify of life
• Wages, both missed while recovering from the accident and potential losses in the future