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Coral Springs & Parkland Injury Lawyers > Blog > Car Accident > Accidents Caused By Medication

Accidents Caused By Medication

ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY MEDICATION

Clearly driving under the influence of illegal drugs is dangerous. However, most people do not know that driving after taking legal drugs (medication) can also be dangerous. According to the CDC, drugs (both legal and illegal) are involved in approximately 16% of motor vehicle crashes. Indeed, if a person is taking medication, it does not automatically mean that it is not safe for them to drive. However, some medicines can have side effects that make it unsafe for a person to drive. Some medicines and driving just don’t mix.

Potential Side Effects of Medication That Can Impair a Driver’s Ability To Drive Safely

Medication can cause a wide range of side effects that can impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. The following are some of the common side effects caused by medication that can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Slowed movement
  • Excitability

Unfortunately, some medicines have multiple side effects that can highly impact a driver’s ability to drive safely.    Alcohol enhances these side-effects.

Medicines That Can Affect Driving

As already hinted, not all medicines affect a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. According to the FDA, the following are some of the medications that could make it dangerous to operate a motor vehicle;

  • Sleeping pills
  • Some antidepressants
  • Antipsychotic drugs
  • Opioid pain relievers
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Anti-seizure drugs
  • Some allergy products and cold remedies
  • Medicines that treat or control symptoms of diarrhea

What Are Your Rights if You Were in an Accident With a Driver Who Was Impaired by Medication?

If you were involved in an accident with a driver who was impaired by medication, you should be compensated for you medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering/loss of enjoyment of life.  You may also be entitled to punitive damages. Many medicines have warning labels that tell those taking them not to operate a vehicle. However, people often ignore the warnings and drive anyway.   Punitive damages punish these drivers for their reckless conduct.

Suppose the driver who injured you does not have insurance or has insufficient insurance. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recover compensation from your insurer.

Steps To Take if you Were in an Accident With a Driver Who Was Impaired by Medication.

If you were injured in an accident because of a driver who was impaired by medication, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Delaying seeking medical attention can adversely affect your health and personal injury claim. You also should speak with an experienced personal attorney.

Contact a Delray Beach Car Accident Lawyer

If you need help recovering compensation after being injured by a driver who was impaired by medication, contact our Delray Beach car accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder at 954-462-8035.

Source:

cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fmotorvehiclesafety%2Fimpaired_driving%2Fimpaired-drv_factsheet.html

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