Have You Been Injured in an Accident by an Impaired Driver?
When drivers get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs, they put everyone around them at risk. Unfortunately, drugged driving continues to regularly take place in the Chicagoland area despite increased enforcement efforts and harsh legal consequences.
In fact, the 2016 Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates 11.8 million people admitted to driving under the influence during the previous year. When drugged drivers cause accidents, victims need to do everything they can to protect their rights. This begins by retaining a Chicago drugged driving accident lawyer.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are committed to helping accident victims with injuries due to the negligence of others. We offer completely free consultations and there is no fee unless you win your case. To schedule an appointment with a Chicago car accident attorney, contact us online or call our Chicago office at (312) 924-7575.
Is Drugged Driving is Against the Law?
Drunk driving gets much public attention. However, the same Illinois Statute that prohibits drunk driving also bans driving under the influence of any drug that renders the person incapable of driving safely. Many drugs can impair drivers in ways that make them unable to safely drive motor vehicles. Some of these drugs are illegal and some are prescription drugs.
Can Drugged Drivers Cause Substantial Injuries and Damages?
Drugged driving accidents can result in extremely serious injuries to everyone involved, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Disc herniations
- Torn ligaments
These injuries, in turn, can result in significant economic and noneconomic losses including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Property damage
Fortunately for victims, a driver who was on drugs at the time of the accident will almost certainly face liability for any resulting damages. In many cases, drugged driving accidents can result in substantial settlements or awards. Victims must do everything they can to protect their legal rights.
What Makes Drugged Driving So Dangerous?
Different drugs affect the brain in many different ways. For instance, drivers who ingest cocaine or methamphetamine may drive in reckless and aggressive ways. On the other hand, cannabis can slow a person’s reaction time and impair the ability to accurately judge distance and time. Drugs like Xanax, lorazepam, and other benzodiazepines often cause drowsiness and dizziness. These various impairments all have the potential to lead to serious car accidents.
What if a Suspected Drugged Driver Caused an Accident?
In the unfortunate event that you are in an accident caused by a drugged driver, protect your right to recover compensation by:
Exchanging contact and insurance information with the driver
Make note of:
- The accident location
- Weather conditions
- The license plate numbers of the other vehicles
- Any independent witnesses
- Whether any hazardous road conditions may have contributed to the accident
Call the police and make a report
Law enforcement personnel are trained to spot signs of drug use. So, if your suspicions are correct, the police will likely arrest the driver for DUI. If the other driver is ultimately found guilty of a DUI, it can make recovering compensation easier.
Seek medical treatment
A post-accident emergency room evaluation will identify, treat, and document any injuries that you sustained in your accident. If necessary, seek further medical treatment with your primary care doctor or an orthopaedic physician, etc.
Retain an auto accident attorney
A drugged driving crash attorney in Chicago can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Accident lawyers who handle personal injury claims understand how insurance companies operate. They will make sure to protect your rights along every step of the way.
How Much Will a Lawyer Cost?
As an accident victim, the costs of hiring a personal injury attorney may concern you. We take all of our cases on a contingency fee-basis. This means that you will pay nothing up front for legal representation. In fact, you will pay nothing for legal representation at all unless there is a compensation recovery on your behalf.
Any fees that we do collect are a percentage of the settlement or award that you receive. As a result, you have nothing to lose by retaining our firm, and a significant amount to gain.
Should You Contact Drugged Driving Accident Lawyer?
If a drug- or alcohol-impaired driver injured you in an accident, then retain an attorney as soon as you can—even if the insurance company already offered you money. The lawyers of Abels & Annes, P.C. will review the facts of your case at no cost to you. They will do everything possible to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation your claim merits.
In addition, if the insurance company refuses to give you the compensation you deserve, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit. To contact one of our lawyers, call our office today at (312) 924-7575 or send us an email through our website.