contractors - protect yourself from legal liabilities

Drug Use While Driving Can Affect A Car Accident Civil Defense Case

7 April 2022

Lawrence Ross

When a driver hits you unexpectedly, you may pull over to the side of the road and expect to have an easy time communicating with the driver and exchanging contact information. However, you quickly discover that the driver seems to be behaving erratically and might be under the influence of a substance. If this is the case, you should bring this up with the police officer who responds to the accident and your car accident lawyer.

Contact the Police After an Accident

After a car accident, you are expected to contact the police and wait for them to arrive. When the officer arrives, they will ask you a series of questions. You will also be able to bring up that you suspect that the other driver is under the influence of substances.

The police officer might be able to have the other driver tested for drugs to determine if they were under the influence at the time of the accident. If they are able to determine this, you might then be able to use these facts to hold the driver responsible for the accident if the substance affects the driver's ability to drive.

Many Accidents are Caused By Drug Use

There are all sorts of drugs that can affect the ability of a driver to operate a vehicle. Even if you are allowed to use marijuana at home in the state in which you reside, you are not allowed to consume the substance and operate a vehicle. Also, other legal medications such as sleeping pills should not be consumed before operating a motor vehicle.

Drug Use Can Be a Form of Negligence

When the driver is under the influence of substances, they might have a slower reaction time, they might suffer from poor judgment, or they might lose control over their vehicle.

You Can Sue the Driver Even While They're In Prison

Even if the driver ends up being arrested for a DUI, you will still be able to take legal action against them with the help of a civil defense law firm. You will be able to pursue a settlement with the auto insurance provider since the driver will be required to carry auto accident insurance.

If the insurance provider refuses to agree to a settlement, your auto accident insurance provider might encourage you to sue the insurance provider. Then, your civil defense attorney will represent you in court and will do everything possible to maximize your compensation.

For more information, contact a local firm like The Arambula Law Firm.

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About Me

My husband has worked in the construction industry for nearly twenty years. Three years ago, he decided to open his own business performing renovation work. Having so much experience helped him land clients and showed him that he has to protect himself from the clients that aren't so easy to please. We started working with an attorney in the beginning to have all of the contracts drawn up and have called when things go badly with clients. This blog will show you what you need to do to protect yourself from legal liabilities when you work as a contractor in today's world.