Bicycle Accident Lawyer Mesa AZ
Drug Impaired Driving
Most people know that drunk driving is dangerous. People can get seriously hurt, and lives can be lost. When it comes to drug-impaired driving, however, there is not the same level of awareness. Not everyone knows that driving impaired by drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is illegal can lead to an arrest for DUI. Pedestrians and bicyclists can be victims of a negligent or drunk or drunk impaired driver, if so a bicycle accident lawyer Mesa AZ should be consulted.
In recent years, more and more states have legalized marijuana. As a consequence, there has been an increase in THC-positive drivers on the road. Some of this is attributed to ignorance regarding the risks of driving high or impaired. Focus groups have revealed that marijuana users think they are safer drivers when they use marijuana. In addition, many do not think they can be charged with DUI for marijuana.
The drug-impaired driving problem is much broader than marijuana. There are some serious misconceptions about driving under the influence of prescription and over the counter drugs:
- If a drug is legal, it isn’t dangerous to drive.
- If a medication is over the counter or prescribed, it isn’t impairing.
- If my doctor gave it to me to improve my health, it won’t endanger me when driving.
Many legal medications have side effects and can impair driving by causing drowsiness, altering visual functions and affecting mental judgment and motor skills. Medications known to impact driving include: opioids, cough medicines, antihistamines, decongestants, sleep medicines, and some antidepressants.
Drivers should avoid driving while under the influence of any type drug, just as if they consumed alcohol. Senior drivers need to be especially aware, as many are prescribed multiple medications.
Following a collision resulting in injuries a bicycle accident lawyer Mesa AZ can explain the settlement and litigation process. Fault and applicable insurance will be investigated. An accident reconstructionist may be consulted, witness statements can be obtained. There may be allegations, or issues regarding comparative fault.
Driving impaired by drugs is illegal in every state. Law enforcement is raising awareness to save lives from drug-impaired driving with campaigns such as “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.” Meanwhile, the National Safety Council is pushing for better data collection on police reports that could shed more light on the scope of drug-impaired driving.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims of accidents involving driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Victims can be advised about possible compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering, since the collision and for the future. An assessment can be made regarding the nature, extent of permanent injuries. A life care plan may be appropriate, if there is a need for further medical care. An economist may be asked to render opinions concerning the present value costs of future medical care, earnings. A consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer Mesa AZ should be free, there should be no fees unless a settlement is obtained.
For more information contact the law office of Paul Englander, PLC today.
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