Drivers who are impaired due to alcohol and drugs can be found on roads throughout the nation. The prevalence of these drivers is somewhat shocking considering the widespread publicity the issue regularly generates. While at times drivers who are intoxicated make it home without incident or are pulled over and arrested by the police, in the worst cases they cause car accidents.

A 19-year-old driver from the Pittsburgh area who recently caused one such accident is facing the consequences. The man, who was allegedly high on drugs, has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs for his role in causing a crash with a minivan earlier this fall. He was also charged with driving on the wrong side of the road and reckless endangerment. It was suspected that he was driving faster than the posted speed of 25 miles per hour when the collision occurred.

It is entirely possible that the 19-year-old will face more than just criminal charges as a result of the incident. This is because both of the occupants of the minivan the man struck with his car were injured and had to be taken to area hospitals. Before this could be done, the woman, who was behind the wheel of the minivan, had to be cut out. Her son, a child who is disabled was transported to Children's Hospital.

The occupants of the minivan could file personal injury lawsuits against the man who hit them. Depending on the extent of the injuries suffered this could be vital for the victims. Depending on the child's disability, the boy may not recover the way that children without an underlying condition do. Additionally, if the mother is the primary caretaker of her son and she is seriously hurt, there may be issues regarding how the boy will be cared for. Financial damages could make it easier to deal with these things.

Source: Chartiers Valley Patch, "Driver Charged with DUI After Crashing Into Minivan with Disabled Child," Mike Jones, Nov. 10, 2012