Understanding Impairment and Injury
Injury-causing accidents involving impaired individuals are more common than many realize. Impairment can affect judgment, reaction time, motor skills, and decision-making. When a person is not fully alert or functioning normally, their actions can endanger others—whether behind the wheel, operating machinery, or even hosting an event.
Types of Impairment That Cause Injuries
Impairment can take many forms. Below are common types that may contribute to preventable injuries:
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One of the most well-known forms.
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Impaired drivers cause thousands of fatal crashes each year.
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The NHTSA reports that 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2022 alone.
2. Drug Impairment
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Includes both illegal substances and prescription medications.
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Even legal drugs like sleep aids, antidepressants, and painkillers can impair judgment or motor skills.
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According to the CDC, marijuana is the most frequently detected drug in impaired drivers after alcohol.
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Sleep deprivation mimics alcohol intoxication.
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A driver who has been awake for 20+ hours has the same performance impairment as a driver with a 0.08% BAC.³
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The National Safety Council estimates drowsy driving contributes to over 100,000 crashes every year.⁴
4. Medical Conditions
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Conditions like epilepsy, diabetes (low blood sugar), and neurological disorders can impair awareness and cause sudden accidents.
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Drivers are required by law to disclose these conditions to the DMV, but many fail to do so.
5. Mental Impairment
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Anxiety, depression, and psychosis may affect a person’s ability to act safely and rationally.
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These impairments may also contribute to workplace injuries, self-harm in public spaces, or endangerment of others.
What to Do if You Are Injured Due to Impairment
If you suspect impairment played a role in your accident or injury, here are the steps to take:
1. Call 911 Immediately
Get law enforcement and emergency services on the scene. Police can conduct field sobriety or drug tests.
2. Document the Scene
Take photos of damage, the location, people involved, and any visible signs of impairment (e.g., stumbling, slurred speech).
3. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, get checked. Some injuries may not present symptoms right away.
4. Speak with Witnesses
Ask anyone nearby if they noticed odd behavior before the incident—this can support your claim.
5. Contact Fielding Law
Do not navigate this alone. If someone’s impairment caused your injury, you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What This Means for You
Whether your injuries occurred in a car accident, at a public event, on private property, or at work, impairment can be a form of negligence. If the impaired person was acting irresponsibly—and their condition led to your injury—there may be a legal case against them and potentially other responsible parties, such as:
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A bar or restaurant that over-served alcohol
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A property owner who failed to monitor impaired guests
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An employer who allowed an unfit employee to work
You do not have to prove the person meant to harm you—only that their impairment made them a danger to others and that it caused your injury.
Why Hire Fielding Law
If you or someone you love has been injured due to impairment, our team at Fielding Law is here to guide you with care and strength. We help victims understand their rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. We are not a massive firm with gimmicks—we are a compassionate, capable team focused on getting real results for real people.
Call 833.88.SHARK or contact Fielding Law today for a free consultation.
Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.
