Medications, Side Effects, and Traffic Accident Risks
When it comes to threats on Florida roads, medication-related impairment is a growing and serious risk. Whether it’s a prescription drug, an over-the-counter cold remedy, or an illicit substance, many drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
If you’ve been in an accident with someone under the influence of medication, talk to a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer about the possibility of recovery. It’s important to understand your rights.
How Medications Contribute to Traffic Accidents
Medications, both legal and illegal, can affect the central nervous system, leading to:
- Drowsiness
- Slower reaction times
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or fainting
- Poor coordination and judgment
These side effects can impair a person’s ability to stay alert, judge distances, or respond quickly to road conditions, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Some medications that can impair an individual’s ability to drive safely include prescription drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids. There has been documentation of risks connected to over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and motion sickness pills, too. And of course, there are dangers connected to illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
What to Do After an Accident Involving a Drugged Driver
After a collision in which you suspect the other driver was impaired due to medication or drug use, there are steps you should take immediately to protect yourself from unnecessary loss. First, call the police. Make sure the responding officer documents any signs of impairment and arranges for toxicology testing, if appropriate.
It is also important to take care of your health and, if possible, gather evidence. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked out by a medical professional helps protect your health and creates documentation for your case. If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, damage, and any visible signs of impairment from the other driver. Witnesses can provide evidence as well, such as bystanders who observed signs of the other driver’s behavior before the accident.
Drugged driving cases can be more complicated than typical car accidents. The at-fault driver may deny using medication or claim they weren’t impaired. That’s where having a skilled injury attorney becomes essential.
A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can obtain police reports, toxicology results, and medical records. They may find it will support your case to work with experts to demonstrate the effects of the drug on the driver. If so, they will pursue that expert testimony to ensure injured parties to assess a full and fair settlement package. Compensation that completely covers medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and therapy costs.
Crashes involving drug-impaired drivers can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm. If you or a loved one has been affected, know that the law is on your side. Have a legal expert make your case.
Do you want to learn about your recovery options following an accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach involving medications? Have a conversation with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
