DUI Does Not Include Only Alcohol

Under DUI charges, a person will be charged and arrested even if he is driving under drug influence, whether illicit, over-the-counter or prescribed. Several DUI cases involve vehicle accidents under the influence of drugs instead of alcohol.

Identify if a Person Was Impaired When Driving

After an accident, if you suspect if the driver was driving under alcohol or drug influence, you have to focus on the following signs.

Symptoms for Depressant Medication, Alcohol Impairment and Marijuana

• Difficulty focusing
• Blood-shot eyes
• Hostile behavior
• Drowsiness
• Slurred or slow speech
• Smell of marijuana or alcohol
• Difficulty standing
• Poor motor skills
• Involuntary movements of the eye
• Statement of the driver about where he/she was before this crash

Opioid Use Signs

These may include fentanyl, morphine, codeine, oxycontin, Vicodin, and heroin. Some common signs are similar to marijuana or alcohol. Similarly, others may include a runny nose or eyes, sweating or itching.

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Signs for the Use of Stimulant, including Methamphetamines or Cocaine

• Extreme nervousness and restlessness
• Tremors
• Euphoria
• Risk-taking behavior or inflated self-confidence
• Rigid muscles
• Grinding teeth
• Exaggerated reflexes
• Impatience

After observing these signs, try to draw the attention of investigating officers to them. Note down everything you heard or saw. Moreover, share the reasons why you think a driver was drunk while driving.

Civil and Criminal Action in DUI Accident Cases

If a person drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he will face criminal charges. Sometimes, DUI drivers may be responsible financially for losses, damages and injuries. These losses can be different in both the civil justice system and criminal courts. DUI guilty may get a sentence in criminal courts, but DUI victims or their families will not get any compensation to cover their financial losses.

They may get fair compensation by an injury lawsuit for damages they bear. Civil cases may be easy to try compared to criminal cases as the plaintiff should prove inattention from the defendant.

Damages in DUI Accident Injuries

If you were injured in a DUI accident, you could recover damages for losses and injuries you have faced, such as:

Medical Expenses

 These may include the cost of medical treatment you have received after an accident, such as medication, surgery, hospitalization, consistent physical therapy and medical equipment. Make sure to save all receipts and documents from claiming these expenses. Moreover, provide clear evidence of injuries.

Punitive Damages

These are often awarded as punishment to the liable party for specific egregious behavior.

Suffering and Pain

Injuries because of car accidents may increase your discomfort and physical pain. These may result in psychological and emotional issues, including post-traumatic stress (PTSD) disorder and depression. In this situation, you are liable to claim compensation for mental anguish and physical pain because of suffering and pain.

If a DUI accident victim dies, members of his family may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. These prove helpful for a family of victims seeking compensation for injuries, including burial and funeral costs, medical expenses, suffering and pain, loss of love and future income.