Drug Impairment Accident Lawyers in Ohio

Ohio Drug Impairment Accident Lawyers

Regardless of whether they are illegal, over-the-counter, or prescription medications, drugs can impair an individual’s motor skills, reflexes, judgment, and cognition. When someone gets behind the wheel while they are impaired by drugs, they put themselves and other at risk for causing an accident.

If you sustain an injury by a someone who was driving while under the influence of drugs, you should reach out to our experienced drug impairment accident lawyers today. Contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation regarding your Ohio car accident claim.

Drugged Driving is a Concern in Ohio

According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the amount of deadly accidents related to drugged driving in 2015 was greater than the amount of deadly accidents linked to drunk driving.

The Ohio Department of Transportation found that there has been a 25 percent increase in drug impairment accidents since 2012. Additionally, in the year 2016, about 33 percent of accidents caused by an impaired driving involved drugs.

Types of Drugs That Inhibit Driving Ability

In order to reduce the amount of accidents that arise due to drugs, it’s imperative to understand the type of drugs that negatively impact your mental state. Here is an overview of the types of drugs that can affect the way you drive:

Prescription Pain Relievers & Anxiety Medication

Medications such as Xanax and Valium can lead to drowsiness and blurred vision. Find alternate forms of transportation if you need to take these drugs.

Illegal Drugs

Marijuana, heroin, methamphetamines, and morphine are all examples of illegal drugs that can impair your cognition and logic. You should never get in the driver’s seat while under the influence of these substances.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Even though they do not require a prescription from a doctor, over-the-counter medications for colds, allergies, or other common conditions can impair your ability to drive.

If you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who’s under the influence of any of the above substances, contact our drug impairment accident lawyers today.

What Influences Drug Impaired Driving?

Anyone could be a drug-impaired driver. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of someone driving while they are under the influence of drugs, including:

• Age – Many teenage drivers have admitted to driving while under the influence of drugs. Teenagers are far more likely to engage in drug-impaired driving. Senior drivers are also at high risk for driving while under the influence of drugs because they often take multiple medications at one time.
• Gender – According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, males are almost twice as likely to drive while impaired by drugs than females.
• Occupation – There are certain occupations that increase the risk of a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Truck drivers and other professionals that drive long distances may turn to drugs to reduce their fatigue. As a result, accidents often occur.
• Illness – Contrary to popular belief, even if a medication is legal, it can still be dangerous if a patient gets behind the wheel while taking it. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can lead to confusion, irritability, and drowsiness.

Safety Tips for Driving Around a Drug Impaired Driver

If you believe you are driving around a motorist who is impaired by drugs, it’s important to adhere to certain safety precautions, including:

Do Not Follow or Attempt to Stop the Vehicle

Instead of following or attempting to stop the vehicle, you should call the police and report the license plate number of the unsafe driver.

Slow down.

Slowing down will allow you to increase your distance from the dangerous driver.

Keep as much distance from the driver as possible.

Rather than trying to pass the driver, you should keep a far distance so that you reduce your risk of injury if the driver makes a hazardous move.

Contact Our Ohio Drug Impairment Accident Lawyers

Drugs and operating a motor vehicle do not mix well. If you are injured in a car accident that was caused by a driver who was under the influence of drugs, you should contact the Ohio drug impairment accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick right away.

We are well-versed in Ohio’s drugged driving laws, and we will thoroughly investigate your case and help you file a claim. We will fight vigorously for you to obtain fair compensation for vehicle damages, medical bills, lost wages, disability, mental anguish, and more.

With legal representation by your side, you won’t have to settle for a low-ball offer from the liable party’s insurer. Our expert car accident attorneys speak to the insurance company on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.

Contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a case consultation.