Tips to Protect Your Rights After a Florida Drugged Driving Crash
Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal across the United States, including in Tampa. Yet, statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reveal that laws alone aren’t enough to deter drugged drivers. Each year, over 100 accidents in Florida involve drug or alcohol use, leading to nearly 50 fatalities and countless injuries.
When it comes to pursuing compensation after a drugged-driving accident, victims face unique challenges. Unlike alcohol-related DUIs, there is no roadside test equivalent to a breathalyzer for drug use. This makes it critical to gather other forms of evidence and work with an experienced Tampa drugged-driving accident attorney, such as those at The Black Law Company, to build a strong case.
What to Do After a Drugged Driving Crash
If you’ve been in a crash caused by a drug-impaired driver, quick action can make all the difference in protecting your rights and gathering evidence. Here are some essential steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or your primary care physician as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, injuries can manifest later, and medical records will be crucial to your case. - Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident site. Capture key details like road conditions, traffic signs, lane markings, and vehicle damage. - Pay Attention to the Driver’s Behavior
Use your senses to observe any signs of impairment in the other driver, such as the smell of marijuana, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or erratic movements. These observations can serve as valuable evidence. - Get a Copy of the Police Report
Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment and may include crucial evidence in their reports. Request a copy to support your claim.
Compensation for Victims of Drugged Driving Accidents
Florida law allows victims of drugged driving accidents to seek compensation for their losses. These damages fall into two categories:
- Economic Damages
These include measurable financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs. - Non-Economic Damages
These are intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While harder to quantify, they are no less important.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Drugged-driving accident cases are often complex due to the difficulty of proving drug impairment without immediate testing. The Black Law Company in Tampa has the expertise to navigate these challenges, gathering the necessary evidence and advocating for your rights.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drugged-driving accident, call 813-321-7380 to speak with a dedicated attorney today. Let The Black Law Company help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
This post was written by Okoye Morgan Jr., a lawyer with extensive knowledge as a car accident attorney East Tampa FL. Okoye is one of the founding partners of The Black Law Company, specializing in personal injury law, trust and estate law, civil litigation law, and criminal defense.
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