Was Your Florida Accident A Result Of Prescription Drug Impairment?
Even though driving under the influence of prescription medication does not have the same social implications as driving under the influence of alcohol, the reality is that it can be just as hazardous. Prescription drugs usually cause side effects that can impair a driver’s ability to drive. Suppose you were injured in an accident that you came to learn was caused by a driver who was driving under the influence of prescription medication. In such a situation, can you file a personal injury claim against the other driver? After all, the driver had only taken medication that their doctor had prescribed to them.
According to the law, every driver has a duty to be aware of the side effects of the prescription drugs they are taking and ensure they don’t get behind the wheel when it is not safe for them to do so. So, yes, you can file a personal injury claim after suffering an injury in an accident because of a driver who was driving while impaired by prescription drugs.
Dangerous Side Effects of Prescription Drugs
Prescription medication can cause accidents when side effects impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. Some common side effects of prescription medication that can lead to car accidents include;
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Impaired cognitive function
- Difficulty concentrating or distraction
- Anxiety
- Slowed reaction times
All the above side effects of prescription drugs can increase a motorist’s risk of causing a car accident. For example, blurred vision can result in a driver shifting into the wrong lane and causing an accident. Also, drowsiness can cause a motorist to fall asleep while driving and crash into another car when they run a red light or stop sign.
It is crucial to note that side effects vary according to the type of medication. Also, side effects vary depending on whether a driver is taking more than one prescription medication or whether they are taking any supplements along with the prescription medication.
The Law and Prescription Drugs
Simply because a motorist got their prescription medication legally from their doctor does not mean they can drive under the influence of that medication. It is a driver’s responsibility to understand how the prescription medication they are taking can affect their driving ability. If a driver is taking medication, they should check the label for warnings before driving. If a driver is unsure if it is safe to take medication and then drive, they should ask their doctor for advice. Often, it is advisable for a driver to wait up to 48 hours after taking prescription medication before getting behind the wheel.
So, in summary, the law will hold a driver accountable for causing an accident because of a prescription medication’s side effects. In accident cases involving a driver impaired by prescription medication, the main concern is usually the effect that the driver’s decision to drive while impaired has on others.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured in a Florida accident by a driver you believe was driving while impaired by prescription medication, reach out to one of our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Orlando, Ocala, and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/impaired-driving/
