If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drug-impaired driver in Santa Rosa, California, it’s important to consider your legal options. You may have the opportunity to pursue a life-changing monetary award from the drugged driver and, in some cases, other liable parties.
The experienced Santa Rosa car accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can help you navigate this stressful time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call our Santa Rosa law office today to learn more. Your first consultation is free.
How Common Are Drugged Driving Accidents in Santa Rosa?
Between 2021 and 2023, 56 drunk driving traffic accidents were reported in the city of Santa Rosa. Nearly half of these accidents involved a driver who was determined to be under the influence of drugs.
During this period of time, 27 drugged driving accidents caused 39 injuries and one fatality. This represented 43 percent of all drugged driving accidents and 45 percent of drugged driving injuries in Sonoma County at that time.
What is Drugged Driving?
Drugged driving refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance - legal and illegal - including:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- LSD
- PCP
- Methamphetamine
- Oxycodone
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxants like Flexeril
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta-blockers
- Opioids
When you take a controlled substance, it can impair your ability to drive safely.
A driver who is under the influence of drugs might:
- Suffer from reduced reaction times
- Become drowsy and/or fall asleep at the wheel
- Make impulsive decisions
- Have difficulty judging the distances between vehicles or how fast other cars are traveling
Different drugs will affect the body and brain in different ways. However, all of these things significantly increase the chances of causing a motor vehicle accident.
How Can I Get Compensation If I’m Injured in a Car Accident With a Drugged Driver in Santa Rosa?
Whether a driver takes a controlled substance for which they have a prescription or an illegal drug, making the decision to get behind the wheel can be dangerous if that drug has the potential to affect their ability to drive safely. Drugged driving is negligent - plain and simple.
When a drugged driver causes a car accident in Santa Rosa, they can be liable for resulting damages - including medical bills, lost wages, disability, property damage, costs paid out of pocket, pain and suffering, and emotional distress - through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
If you’ve been injured because of a drugged driver, you may also be able to seek compensation from other parties - such as the driver’s employer if they were on duty at the time of the collision.
You’ll have a limited amount of time to seek compensation for your injuries after a drugged driving accident in Santa Rosa, CA. California has a statute of limitations of two years that applies to matters of personal injury and wrongful death. You have to file your claim before the filing deadline passes.
Don’t get stressed out about how to recover compensation from a drugged driver. Focus on getting better and leave the rest to our award-winning Santa Rosa car accident attorneys. We’ve helped clients win billions. Now, we’re here to fight for you. Contact our Santa Rosa injury lawyers today to get started.
About Car Accidents
- Car Accident Overview
- Getting a Car Accident Report in Santa Rosa
- Insurance Minimums
- Liability in Car Accidents
- Time Limits for Car Accident Claims in California
Car Accident Injuries
- Bruising and Contusions
- Chest Injuries
- Delayed Injuries
- Low-Impact Car Accident Injuries
- Seatbelt Injuries
Types of Car Accidents