Cape Girardeau Drugged Driving Accidents
Have You Been Hurt in a Car Wreck in Cape Girardeau?
Did you know drugged driving has eclipsed drunk driving as a cause of fatal motor vehicle crashes? The Governors Highway Safety Association and Foundation for Alcohol Responsibility released a report stating that in 2015, drugs were associated with more car wreck fatalities than alcohol. Specifically, 43% of deceased motorists had drugs in their system, compared to 37% with alcohol. These statistics are not to be taken lightly, as illegal drugs make car accidents infinitely more likely to take place. To speak with a Cape Girardeau car accident lawyer concerning an accident caused by someone else’s wrongful conduct, call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz. We are a large regional law firm with the resources to properly investigate personal injury cases and drugged driving accidents.
Dangers of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Illegal Substances
Missouri law prohibits driving under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances, which could include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
Drugged drivers place themselves and others at risk, and side effects can depend on the drug consumed. For example, marijuana can cause slow reaction times and difficulty judging time and distance. Cocaine can cause aggressive or reckless driving. Certain sedatives can cause drowsiness or fatigue. Any of the above make a car wreck more likely to take place.
Drugged Driving Accidents in Cape Girardeau
After any wreck, police should be called to the scene. Drugged drivers, similar to drunk drivers, can be charged with DWI, and police may arrange for a urine or blood test. While the defendant driver’s criminal case is pending, you can hire your own attorney to help you navigate a civil claim for damages and compensation for medical bills and bodily injury. Your lawyer can monitor the defendant’s criminal case, pursue relevant information through discovery, and retain experts to interpret toxicology tests as needed.
To recoup medical bills and lost wages and recover fair compensation, Missouri law places the burden of proving liability on the injured victim. This means it is the victim’s responsibility to prove the case and show that the other driver failed to act reasonably under the given set of circumstances. Drugged driving may be enough to maintain a punitive damages claim, a class of damages awarded as punishment against certain drivers for certain malicious or reckless conduct.
Contact NST for a Free Consultation with a Lawyer
If you were involved in a drugged driving accident in the Cape Girardeau area, your health is your top concern. Dealing with the intricacies of the legal process could be the last thing on your mind, which is where hiring a car accident lawyer in the Cape Girardeau area comes in handy. We are a full service personal injury law firm, here to assist with all phases of your case, from start to finish. We are available 24/7 by calling 800-529-4004 or completing our online form, and our auto accident attorneys serve those injured in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Farmington, Perryville, Fredericktown, and other areas of Cape Girardeau County and Scott County. NST is the way to go.
1440 Kurre Lane
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: 573-381-0510
Fax: 573-803-1389
