Substances other than alcohol may cause deadly impaired driving

Most reports of accidents in Florida and around the country involving an impaired driver are likely assumed to involve alcohol. But other substances can cause impairment and be just as deadly. Despite the warnings and strict laws, impaired drivers continue to take to the roads causing serious injuries and fatal motor vehicle accidents.

A recent fatal head-on crash in another state is believed to have been caused by a man under the influence of drugs. Although no evidence at the scene confirmed the officers’ suspicions, a substance was found in the driver’s wallet that could possibly be synthetic marijuana.

The man who caused the accident was allegedly speeding in a van and driving the wrong way down the road when he ran head-on into an SUV with two people inside. Both had to be extricated from the vehicle and the female passenger died at the scene. After the first collision, the van rolled into another lane and caught fire. Three more vehicles were involved in the incident before the chain of events ended.

The driver of the van had serious injuries and was taken to a hospital by helicopter. Police took a blood sample from the patient and are waiting on the results of a toxicology report to determine whether charges will be brought against the man.

A victim who survives a crash may have injuries with long-term effects, or even result in permanent disability. Pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses may be eligible for compensation. Sadly, many accident victims die as a result of their injuries. In any situation involving an impaired driver and injured victims, it can be important to get all the information available and hold a negligent driver accountable.

Anyone who has been involved in an auto accident or has lost a loved one in a crash may benefit from consulting a personal injury attorney in who can be helpful in determining whether you are due any recovery.

Source: Star-Telegram, "Fort Worth police await blood tests on wrong-way driver in fatal crash," Deanna Boyd, May 15, 2014