To many people are injured or killed in preventable crashes caused by impaired drivers.
Every day in the U.S., car accidents caused by drunk drivers claim the lives of 32 people, which is equivalent to a death every 45 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Crashes caused by impaired drivers can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, friends, and communities. To prevent these tragedies, it is essential to take action by promoting education, awareness, and accountability.
At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, our car accident lawyers take pride in holding impaired drivers responsible for their reckless actions. If you were hit and injured by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact us today to review your legal rights and options. Our law firm has offices in Wichita Falls, TX, and Lawton, OK.
The dangers of impaired driving
When operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your normal abilities become impaired. That means your perception, attention, balance, coordination, and other brain functions are all negatively affected, as is your ability to safely drive.
Impaired drivers often find it difficult to stay in their lane, maintain a safe speed, and brake properly. A lack of focus caused by drugs and alcohol often leads to impaired drivers ignoring traffic lights and signs, resulting in collisions with other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Likewise, a combination of decreased vision and lack of coordination leads to many impaired drivers driving at high speeds, which exacerbates the severity of crashes. While it's evident that accidents involving impaired drivers can be among the most catastrophic, far too many people make the negligent decision to get behind the wheel of a car when they shouldn't.
Breaking down a new study by the NTSB
According to Forbes, a recent study by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aimed to further investigate the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The authors of the study unsurprisingly found that alcohol is the most common substance detected in impaired drivers. However, those under the influence of marijuana often had other drugs or alcohol in their systems as well.
The report also included recommendations for testing protocols to help law enforcement understand and prevent impaired driving. The report emphasized the need for new measures to prevent impaired driving crashes, including:
- Enhancing laws and enforcement to prevent drug-impaired driving.
- Ensuring the evaluation of prescription and over-the-counter drugs takes into account their impact on driving a motor vehicle safely.
- Improving systems for recording and monitoring instances of drug use while driving.
Additionally, the report suggested adding warning labels to cannabis products about impaired driving and enhancing state drug-impaired driving laws.
“Impaired driving leads to tragedy every day on our nation’s roads, but it doesn’t have to,” Jennifer Homendy, the federal safety agency's chair, said in a statement. “To create a truly safe system — one where impaired driving is a relic of the past — states and federal agencies must implement our recommendations, and fast. Further complacency is inexcusable.”
An attorney can help you seek accountability and compensation if you were hit by an impaired driver.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a crash caused by an impaired driver, a car accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, our attorneys can help you navigate through the complex legal process and aggressively advocate for your best interests.
The insurance company for the at-fault driver may try to downplay, delay, or deny your claim. That's when having a highly skilled legal team to fight for the compensation you're entitled to can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With a lawyer from our law firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle everything else. Don't take chances with your future. Schedule your free injury case consultation right now.