Driving Under the Influence of Inhalants
Everyone knows that it is against the law to drink and drive. Even if a driver suspected of being drunk refuses a breathalyzer test, police can usually make the case that the driver was drunk if they can see open or empty containers of alcoholic beverages in his or her car. Of course, alcohol is not the only substance that impairs a person’s driving ability. Driving under the influence of illegal drugs causes major legal problems, even if the drugged driver does not cause an accident. Ordinary household substances can become intoxicating drugs, too. The mere presence of items that can be used for inhalant abuse is not enough to prove a person’s guilt, but it can cause police to get suspicious. It is perfectly legal to drive a car when a bottle of Elmer’s glue is present, but sniffing glue and driving is a crime. Inhalant abuse has caused several horrific accidents in Florida in recent memory. If you have been injured in a car accident where the driver was under the influence of inhalants, contact a Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorney.
Inhalant Abuse Causes Deadly Accidents in Florida
In 2018, Amir Pelleg was walking on a sidewalk near his home in Sunny Isles in Miami-Dade County with his wife and daughters. A car suddenly approached at high speed, drove off the road and onto the sidewalk, and struck Pelleg, killing him. He was 34 years old. James Franco, the driver of the car that struck Pelleg, discarded a duffel bag before police arrived, but they later recovered the duffel bag and found that it contained numerous canisters of nitrous oxide. Franco was charged with vehicular homicide and with driving under the influence of drugs.
Earlier that same year, Paul Wilson Streater drove his pickup truck in Miami while under the influence of difluoroethane, a cleaning solvent used to clean computer screens. He had accelerated to 107 miles per hour by the time he struck a car, the occupants of which were visiting Miami for a family reunion. The victims were Jorge Raschiotto of Argentina and Veronica Martinez, Diego Martinez, and Mia Martinez of Mexico.
Your Rights After an Inhalant Abuse Accident
The standard of evidence for convicting someone of a crime, such as driving under the influence of inhalants is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The reason for this high standard of evidence is to prevent wrongful convictions. Even if the drugged driver who caused the accident that injured you does not get convicted, you still have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. It is possible to prevail in your case and to recover compensation even if the at fault driver does not get criminal charges.
Set Up a Consultation Today
A car accident lawyer can help you recover damages if you were injured in a car accident where the at fault driver was under the influence of inhalants. Contact Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale, Florida or call 954-566-919 to explore your potential recovery options today.
Sources:
palmbeachpost.com/story/news/courts/2019/12/18/man-who-lost-wife-young-children-in-delray-beach-crash-sues-other-driver/2051905007/
palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2019/06/25/suit-filed-in-2018-delray-crash-that-killed-four-family-members/4824479007/
miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article239714493.html
