Practice Areas Car Accidents Impaired Driving Based On Drugs

Boca Raton Lawyers Assisting People Injured in Car Accidents

Motorists driving on public roads need to be lucid and focused to reduce the risk of harm to others. Sadly, people with diminished capacities, such as people who take prescription or illicit drugs before getting behind the wheel, often cause catastrophic accidents. Fortunately, though, people who recklessly harm others by driving under the influence of drugs can be held legally accountable for the harm that they cause. If you were involved in a collision caused by impaired driving based on drugs, you may be owed substantial damages and should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The Boca Raton car accident lawyers at The Grife Law Firm are adept at helping injured people seek justice for their losses.

Accidents Caused by Impaired Driving Based on Drugs

The dangers of driving while impaired are well known, and drivers altered by substances cause many car crashes throughout Florida each year. In many instances, impaired motorist collisions occur at a high rate of speed, which leads to grave injuries such as fractures, hemorrhages, organ damage, brain trauma, and even death. In an effort to reduce drug-induced collisions, the Florida legislature has criminalized driving under the influence of illicit and prescription substances. Specifically, Florida Statute 316.193 provides that a person will be found guilty of driving under the influence for driving or otherwise physically controlling a vehicle while under the influence of any listed chemical or controlled substance if the substance impairs the person’s normal faculties.

Pursuing Claims After a Drug-Induced Car Accident

Drivers who cause crashes while impaired by drugs may not only face criminal charges but also be deemed civilly liable for the harm caused by their reckless behavior. Typically, people injured in car accidents will assert negligence claims against the party that caused the collision. In Florida, a plaintiff alleging negligence must demonstrate that the defendant had a duty to act with due care. The plaintiff must then show that the defendant breached the duty, causing the accident and that the plaintiff suffered actual harm due to the accident.

In cases in which a defendant violated a statute designed to protect the public, the plaintiff likely will have strong evidence to support their negligence claim. This is because a reasonable person would not be expected to break the law in most situations, so a violation would amount to a breach of the duty of care. However, the plaintiff still would need to prove causation and damages.

Injured people must assert negligence claims within four years, pursuant to Florida Statute 95.11(3)(a). A person who does not file a lawsuit within the required period will likely lose the right to pursue damages, although there are certain narrow exceptions.

Damages Recoverable in Florida Car Accident Cases

In Florida, plaintiffs who successfully prove liability in lawsuits arising out of car crashes may be awarded compensation for the economic harm caused by the accident, such as the cost of medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. They may be granted damages for the emotional trauma, mental anguish, and pain endured due to their harm as well. In cases involving drug-induced accidents, a plaintiff may also be able to recover punitive damages.