A new, large study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that a majority of car accident victims are intoxicated. During the study, just over 54 percent of drivers injured in car accidents were found to be on at least one intoxicating substance. Over 20 percent were on more than one – and intoxication wasn’t limited to drivers. Over half of all victims of car accidents, be they drivers or passengers, were found to be on one or more intoxicants during the study.
THC was the most common intoxicant and was present in 25.1 percent of victims. Alcohol wasn’t much farther behind, found in 23.1 percent of victims. Nearly 11 percent had other stimulants in their systems, while just over nine percent tested positive for opioids. However, while alcohol was found in the systems of many car crash victims, only 20 percent of them were above the .08 BAC limit allowed by law.
Can I Still Seek Compensation if I Was Intoxicated?
Intoxicated driving is illegal. If you are involved in an accident while intoxicated, you may face criminal penalties – even if you did not cause the accident. Nothing can be done to protect you against this potential outcome. However, you may still be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries if you were not the primary cause of your accident.
Any role you play in an accident, including intoxication, will work to reduce the damages you can seek. This is one of the reasons an investigation is so important. Several factors contribute to car accidents. Understanding all of them can help to pinpoint the most significant, which can play a direct role in the type and amount of compensation you are allowed to seek. During your initial consultation, one of our experienced lawyers will carefully review your case, provide detailed information about your options, and help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim.
To schedule your free consultation with Kelleher Law, please call 833-546-3675 today. We have offices in Naples, Fort Myers, Florida, and Roswell, Georgia. We serve victims of serious injury living in all nearby areas.
