“Driving While High” on the Rise Across the U.S.

As Americans’ access to prescription and legalized illicit drugs has increased, incidents of driving while under the influence of drugs, or “driving while high,” is also increasing. Whether an intoxicated person is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if they cause an accident an injured person may be able to recover compensation for their damages with the help of a car wreck attorney.

For more information, contact Attorney Group to learn more about your options in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. If you wish to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated car wreck attorney.

Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.

Both Prescription and Illicit Drug Use Behind Increased DUI Rates

A Governors Highway Safety Association assessment indicates that driving under the influence of drugs is becoming more prevalent and contributing to more deadly accidents in the U.S. According to cnn.com, over the past five years, prescription and illicit drug use has grown significantly more common among Americans. An increasing number of people are also using and driving under the influence of marijuana, which is the drug most commonly detected in roadside surveys and examinations of deceased drivers.

From 2005 to 2013, the number of drivers killed in accidents who had drugs in their systems rose over 37 percent. In 2013, 38 percent of all drivers killed in car accidents, or nearly four out of ten deceased drivers, tested positive for drugs. This is comparable to the proportion of driver fatalities that involve alcohol.

The increasing availability and legality of marijuana is one potential reason for this development. Over 20 states, along with Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana in some form. Surveys also suggest that many people mistakenly believe this drug doesn’t affect their driving ability. Additionally, many drivers may underestimate the risks of combining marijuana and alcohol, which can have amplifying effects and lead to significant impairment, the website reported.

How a Car Wreck Attorney Can Help

Drivers or passengers who are injured in car accidents caused by a diver under the influence of either drugs or alcohol may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of income or ability to work
  • Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury

If a driver or passenger is killed in a car accident, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages can include:

  • Mental anguish, and pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one
  • Loss of relationship or financial support of a loved one
  • Funeral expenses
  • Conscious pain and suffering or a loved one prior to death

People who have been injured in a car accident are advised to seek a qualified car wreck attorney to help them protect their legal rights.

Contact Us For More Information

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Attorney Group for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.

When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.

Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.

See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.

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