Holding drugged drivers accountable in Alabama

Driving while under the influence of drugs in Alabama constitutes a serious offense. Damaging property or endangering pedestrians occurs while operating a vehicle while high, but the most significant injury is inflicted on innocent drivers nearby.

Drugged drivers harm you and your family members. They operate heavy vehicles in a negligent manner, often inflicting life-threatening injuries or killing drivers throughout Alabama. Fortunately, not only will drivers face significant charges if found guilty, a court may also require them to pay you compensation for your injuries. Understanding the laws behind driving under the influence of drugs helps you identify your right in obtaining payment for a negligent driver’s serious mistake.

Driving under the influence of drugs

According to Alabama Code, no person has the legal authority to operate a vehicle if he or she is:

• Under the influence of a controlled substance to a degree which renders them incapable of safely driving
• Under the combined influence of alcohol and a controlled substance to a degree which renders them incapable of safely driving; or
• Under the influence of any substance which impairs the mental or physical faculties of such person to a degree which renders him incapable of safely driving

With the legalization of marijuana in some states and the increase in prevalence of opioids, more drugged drivers infiltrate Alabama roads. If a drugged driver injures you during an accident, they may face significant charges for their actions including:

• 1-year imprisonment
• $600-$1200 fine

If their actions involved death or serious injury of you or a loved one, their charges increase.

Proving drugged driving

In court, your attorney works tirelessly to help you receive compensation for your injuries. To obtain monetary benefits from a drugged driver that injured you, Alabama attorneys must prove:

• The driver controlled the vehicle.
• The driver used a prohibited substance before or while driving.
• The influence of the drug caused the driver to crash, injuring you or your loved one.

When you drive on Alabama roads, you have the right to a safe roadway. Especially when transporting children and other loved ones, you should never have to worry about the potential presence of a driver on drugs. Alabama court works to give you the compensation you require to pay your medical expenses and damages related to your injury, and if convicted, the drugged driver will suffer consequences.