Drugged Driving Accidents

Chicago Attorneys Dedicated to Helping Car Crash Victims

Drivers who choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs endanger others on the road, including other motorists as well as pedestrians. The prevailing issue of drugged driving throughout the Chicago area has resulted in catastrophic accidents. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our Chicago drugged driving accident lawyers have helped many victims and their families hold reckless or careless drivers legally accountable for the injuries that they have caused. Our car accident attorneys tirelessly work to pursue compensation for the full range of harm that a client has suffered, including emotional pain and suffering and a decreased quality of life. For decades, we have proudly helped victims throughout Illinois fight for their rights following a motor vehicle accident.

Take Legal Action Following a Drugged Driving Accident

Drugged driving accidents can result from the use of recreational drugs as well as prescription drugs. Similar to accidents caused by drunk drivers, they can lead to serious injuries and even death. Despite the fact that prescription medications contain explicit warnings not to drive or operate a vehicle while taking medication, some people do not adhere to these instructions. Drivers who cause an accident while impaired by medications can be held legally responsible for the resulting harm.

According to Illinois law, a person is guilty of a DUI (driving under the influence) when driving under the influence of a drug, or a combination of drugs, that renders them incapable of safely operating their vehicle. Individuals who violate this law may be legally responsible for all of the injuries caused while driving drugged or intoxicated. Drugged driving impairs judgment and results in slower reaction times, critically affecting the ability of an individual to safely drive. A drugged driving accident attorney can help Chicago residents hold these drivers accountable.

In some situations, drivers may not recognize that the lingering effects of a drug have remained in their body, severely impeding their ability to drive. Marijuana has become a particularly common drug used by teenagers as well as adults, and people who get behind the wheel after using it may find themselves dealing with coordination problems, altered perceptions, and confusion. The decision to do drugs and get behind the wheel is inexcusable and can have life-changing ramifications for the driver and people whom they encounter on the road.

Following an accident caused by a drugged driver, victims may be entitled to compensatory damages through a personal injury lawsuit. As the plaintiff, the victim would try to show that the defendant was negligent and failed to meet their duty of reasonable care. Since all drivers owe others the duty to abide by vehicle codes and state laws, a violation of a DUI law may be evidence of negligent conduct. A defendant may be found liable, or legally at fault, through the theory of negligence per se, or “negligent as a matter of law,” if they are found in violation of a statute that was enacted to protect people such as the victim. Additionally, a breached duty of care can be shown by evidence that the defendant was impaired to the point that they could not properly drive. In fact, in a criminal proceeding, it may not necessarily be a defense that the drug was legal for the individual to take.

Civil damages provide a method for an injured plaintiff to recover compensation from a driver who has acted negligently by driving while drugged. The damages often available to accident victims include medical costs for past and future care, lost earning capacity, missed wages from work due to the accident, and pain and suffering. If the accident caused a tragic death, family members and certain other individuals may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. This would provide compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of consortium.

Enlist a Skilled Drugged Driving Accident Lawyer in the Chicago Area

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a collision caused by a drugged driver, the motor vehicle collision lawyers at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca can help you assert your legal rights. We understand the emotional impact of a car crash and are prepared to pursue full compensation on your behalf. Throughout the legal process, we provide compassionate, personal attention. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Chicago drugged driving accident attorney, call us at 312-724-5846 or contact us online. We also help victims and their families in Champaign, Springfield, Aurora, Rockford, Quincy, and other cities throughout Kane, Cook, Sangamon, Winnebago, and Adams Counties.