Driving under the influence of drugs is one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide, and New York is not an exception. If drug impairment leads to a collision and you sustain severe injuries, you can file a third-party claim or lawsuit against the responsible party. Doing this requires an experienced and skilled New York drug-impaired driving accident lawyer.
Tucker Lawyers has skilled attorneys who can help you seek compensation from the party who harmed you. We have done this for numerous clients and have a winning track record. Contact us at (516) 399-2364 to speak to one of our attorneys about your case and the legal options available.
Why choose our New York drug-impaired driving accident attorney
At Tucker Lawyers, we offer our clients excellent service and work to get them the best possible outcome. Our attorneys have 30 years of experience getting clients the help they need, and our track record tells the tale of the hard work and dedication we put behind every client we’ve represented. We treat our clients as more than case numbers and take a personalized approach to every case we handle. Therefore, if you need a firm that will represent you and is committed to getting results, contact us now.
We serve clients around New York and go beyond the basics of handling your case to offer you support.
What effect does medication have on drivers?
Most medications don’t affect one’s ability to drive. However, some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can impact how safely we drive by influencing reaction times, which are critical for safe driving. Side effects may include:
- Sleepiness/drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Slower movement
- Fainting
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Nausea.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 56% of drivers involved in serious and fatal car accidents between October and December 2020 tested positive for at least one drug. Drivers can’t drive safely if they are impaired; that is why it is advised to avoid getting behind the wheel when under the influence of narcotics or any medication that impairs the senses.
Medications that require caution
Knowing how drugs can affect our reaction time or ability to focus is essential. Some medications – alone or in combination with others – can profoundly impact our ability to drive. They include the following:
- Anti-anxiety prescription drugs
- Certain antidepressants
- Medications that contain codeine
- Cold remedies and allergy relief medications
- Tranquilizers
- Sleeping pills
- Pain relievers
- Diet pills
- “Stay awake” drugs and stimulants (e.g., caffeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine).
Illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, morphine, heroin, and LSD can also affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle and react to situations on the road. Those who consume hard drugs and drive face strict criminal penalties and are also answerable to a civil lawsuit if an accident happens.
Why is drugged driving dangerous?
The effects of many drugs listed above can vary, depending on a person’s body chemistry. Sometimes, it’s difficult to understand how specific drug combinations affect driving from person to person. One individual can feel no effect from a particular combination, while another is profoundly different. When alcohol is added to the equation, even small amounts of some drugs can have measurable effects.
Combining two “harmless” medications can have some people weaving from side to side while others remain unaffected. This is why we are seeing growing instances of zero-tolerance laws for any sort of drugged driving.
Our New York drug-impaired driving lawyers can help you hold a drug-impaired driver accountable after an accident.
New York DUID Laws – Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
New York’s drugged driving law prohibits driving while impaired by any of the “drugs” or “controlled substances” that are listed in the New York Public Health Law [NYCL.PBH § 3306]. In New York, suspects can get a DWAI (driving while ability impaired) if they operate a motor vehicle while being “influenced” by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
New York’s DWAI law determines that a suspected driver is “impaired” if – after consuming drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol – their ability to operate a vehicle in a “reasonable and prudent” manner has been impaired “to any extent.” If they get into an accident in New York, they are liable to compensate the other party for any injury, property damage, or death.
New York drug-impaired driving accident lawyer FAQs
When dealing with victims of impaired driving accidents, we receive many questions from them. Below are some of the most common.
Can I sue for damages if I’m injured in a drug-impaired driving accident?
Yes, suppose you’re injured in a drug-impaired driving accident due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Can I still pursue compensation if the impaired driver was not criminally charged?
You can still pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit even if the impaired driver was not criminally charged or convicted. Our lawyers will help you hold the driver accountable in a civil court.
How much does it cost to hire a drug-impaired driving accident lawyer?
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we collect fees only if we successfully recover your compensation. We collect a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or jury award received.
How can our New York drug-impaired driving accident attorneys help you?
At Tucker Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation and support for victims of drug-impaired driving accidents. We will investigate the circumstances leading to the crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine liability. We will also prove the impaired driver’s impairment, negotiate a fair settlement, and, if needed, file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.
Were you involved in a drug-driving accident? We can help!
If you or a family member has been injured by a driver who was — or may have been — driving while impaired by drugs and alcohol, we can help you receive compensation. Our Tucker Lawyers team will always prioritize your interests and work to get you the best outcome. Contact us at (516) 399-2364 for a free consultation.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]