Even though the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are widely known, such incidents still occur far too often. More specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2014, there were approximately 9,967 alcohol- or drug-related car accident deaths. If you have been made a victim of a drugged driving accident, follow along to find out what damages you may recover and how a proficient Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you in doing so.

Why is driving under the influence of drugs illegal in the state of Florida?

Driving under the influence of drugs is not only illegal in the state of Florida, but in every state and the District of Columbia. Importantly, this is regardless of whether the drug in question is legal or illegal. This is because drugs are known to severely inhibit a driver’s mental and physical capacity to operate a vehicle. Examples of such inhibitions are as follows:

  • A driver’s good-decision making behavior will be inhibited.
  • A driver’s ability to multitask will be inhibited.
  • A driver’s ability to react to outside stimuli will be inhibited.
  • A driver’s peripheral vision will be inhibited.

What are possible damages I can recover after a drugged driving accident?

If you have been made a victim of a car accident due to the negligence of a drugged driver, then you may bring a personal injury claim forward. This is so you can recover the economic and non-economic damages that you have since incurred. Examples of both are as follows:

  • Economic damages:
    • Medical bills (i.e., extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, prescription medications, etc).
    • Lost wages (i.e., long-term or permanent inability to return to work or seek employment in your field).
    • The cost of car repairs or replacement.
    • The cost of domestic services (i.e., cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc).
  • Non-economic damages:
    • Emotional pain and suffering.
    • The loss of independence.
    • The loss of enjoyment of life.

Notably, when it comes to a drugged driving case, you may even be awarded punitive damages. This is rarely offered, and only so if the liable party practiced gross negligence that resulted in severe consequences. For example, if your accident resulted in permanent injuries or even the death of a party, then the liable party may be ordered to pay punitive damages. This punishment is intended to deter the liable party from engaging in such gross negligence ever again.

So, to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to and that you require to heal, you must retain the services of one of the talented Panama City auto accident attorneys. We look forward to working with you.