Driving under the influence of drugs is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, and it’s just as illegal under Florida law. If any substance impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle—whether it’s illegal drugs, prescription medications, or even some over-the-counter drugs—they can face DUI charges. These accidents often result in severe injuries or death, and victims of these crashes can seek compensation for their losses.
A recent accident in downtown Miami shows just how dangerous drug-impaired driving can be. A New York woman reportedly admitted to driving under the influence of a synthetic drug known as “pink cocaine” when she ran a red light and caused a three-car accident. The crash killed two people and left others injured. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida accident caused by a drug-impaired driver, it’s essential to understand how Florida law applies to these cases and what your legal options are for seeking compensation.
Miami Drug-Impaired Crash Raises Serious Legal Concerns
The Miami accident involving a driver impaired by “pink cocaine” has brought attention to the serious legal consequences of driving under the influence of drugs. According to reports, the driver ran a red light while under the influence of the synthetic drug, causing a collision with two other vehicles. Tragically, two people lost their lives, and others suffered injuries as a result of the crash. The driver also attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by witnesses.
In Florida, driving under the influence of drugs carries the same legal penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, a person can be charged with DUI if they are impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or any chemical substance that affects their ability to drive safely. This includes illegal drugs like “pink cocaine,” prescription medications, and even some legal substances if they impair the driver’s normal faculties.
When a drug-impaired driver causes a crash that leads to injuries or death, they can face both criminal charges and civil liability. The victims of the accident, or their families, can pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their losses. This compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the crash.
How Florida Law Treats Drug-Impaired Driving
Florida law does not differentiate between impairment caused by drugs or alcohol when it comes to DUI charges. If a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle is impaired by any substance, they can be charged with DUI. This applies to both illegal drugs and prescription medications. In the case of the Miami crash, the synthetic drug “pink cocaine” was reportedly involved, which is prohibited in Florida and known for its dangerous effects.
To prove drugs impaired a driver at the time of an accident, law enforcement will often rely on several types of evidence, including:
- Observations from the responding officers, such as erratic driving behavior or physical signs of impairment;
- Field sobriety tests conducted at the scene;
- Blood or urine tests to detect the presence of drugs in the driver’s system; and
- The driver’s statements or admissions about their drug use.
In the Miami case, the driver admitted to being under the influence of “pink cocaine” at the time of the crash. This type of evidence can be used to support a DUI charge and also strengthens the case for civil liability if the driver’s impairment led to the crash.
What You Need to Prove in a Florida DUI Accident Case
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drug-impaired driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. To do so, you’ll need to prove that the other driver’s impairment directly caused the crash. In Florida, personal injury claims involving DUI accidents require you to establish the following elements:
- Duty of care—every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws;
- Breach of duty—in DUI cases, the impaired driver breaches this duty by operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Causation—you must show that the impaired driver’s actions directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries; and
- Damages—finally, you’ll need to prove that you suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the crash.
In a drug-impaired driving case, proving impairment is often a key factor. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and drug test results can all be used to establish that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash. In some cases, the driver may even admit to drug use, as happened in the Miami case. Once impairment is proven, the focus shifts to establishing the damages you’ve suffered and the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you were injured as a result of another’s negligence, reach out to the Miami personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. We provide free consultations and will only accept payment for our services if we can recover compensation on your behalf.