Driving and Illegal Drugs

Although most people think about alcohol when discussing DUI charges, the law additionally prohibits driving under the influence of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogenic substances. These substances can have a number of effects on the people who abuse them. Many of these effects make it difficult or impossible to drive safely.

If you have been injured by a reckless driver, contact the Charleston car accident lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to talk with an advocate today about your legal rights and options.

Effects of Illegal Drugs

Many illegal drugs are inherently dangerous; these dangers are only heightened when people under the influence of these substances attempt to drive. Drug-related effects that can make driving highly dangerous include:

• Loss of focus and attention
• Increased heart rate, wakefulness, and restlessness
• Visual or audible hallucinations
• Increased aggression
• A state of paranoia

As any one of these common symptoms related to the wide range of illegal substances could cause an accident, drivers must be extremely careful around an erratically driving motorist. DUI law does cover illegal drugs as well, and the laws are very clear about how driving under the influence of a drug can be punished. In the case of personal injury, substance abuse can easily constitute negligence.

Contact Us

If you have been injured by someone who was driving while abusing an illegal substance, you may be entitled to take legal action. Contact the Charleston personal injury lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 today to discuss your case with a legal adviser.