Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is among the most dangerous things a person can do. Not only are you at risk of seriously harming yourself and everyone else on the road, but you also risk significant fines and penalties – including jail time – if you are caught under the influence behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a driver who chose to drove under the influence, contact the Cambridge personal injury attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP today.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, driving while under the influence is a horrifically common thing. According to their data, in 2017 there were over 34 million people in America age 16 or older who drove under the influence of either alcohol or illicit drugs, which includes everything from marijuana and meth to crack cocaine and opioids.

Illustrating the dangers of driving under the influence, nearly half of people killed in traffic accidents in 2016 tested positive for some type of drug.

What Effects Are Caused by Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?

Different drugs have different effects on drivers, but none of them make you a better driver. Alcohol’s effects are well-documented, and include an inability to maintain control, impaired reaction time and a fearlessness that often leads to bad decisions on the road. Marijuana, which the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports saw a nearly 50 percent increase in use by drivers across the country from 2007 to 2013/14, also impairs motor function ability, causing slowed reaction time and an inability to judge distance.

Other drugs, like opioids and depressants, can make you fall asleep at the wheel or lose consciousness, which behind the wheel can spell disaster. Others, like cocaine, can lead to serious bouts of road rage and general aggressiveness, which increases the likelihood of causing an accident.

No matter the drug, one thing is abundantly clear. If any driver involved in an accident is found to be under the influence of any controlled substance, they will instantly be suspected to be at fault, and likely will have a hard time shedding that liability considering their impaired state.

What Recourse Do I Have if I Was Harmed by an Impaired Driver?

If you or a loved one was injured or suffered a wrongful, untimely death due to a driver who was operating their vehicle while impaired, you have a solid case for a personal injury or wrongful death claim against that vehicle’s operator. Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited regardless of where the offense occurred, and regardless of how impaired the operator was.

For over 50 years, the experienced attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have helped our clients throughout Massachusetts pick up the pieces after suffering an injury at the hands of somebody else. We have litigated many drunk driving and impaired driving cases, and can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table to ensure that you achieve the results you’re seeking.

An automobile accident likely means you suffered some debilitating injuries, including but not limited to broken bones, cartilage tears and head injuries which may take months to recover from. These normally result in extended hospital stays and big hospital bills, as well as lost time where you are unable to work while recovering. A successful personal injury claim can help ease some of these burdens and give you the peace of mind knowing that you’re able to continue living life while you heal.

Nobody should ever have to face the consequences of somebody else’s bad decisions, but unfortunately it happens all the time, and we are ready to hold such individuals accountable for their actions. Contact us online or call for a free consultation to go over the details of your case today at 617-492-3000 or toll-free at 800-481-6199. We are available 24/7.