Drugged Driving and Prescription Medication Risks

When it comes to impaired driving, alcohol consumption is typically what comes to mind. While drunk driving is incredibly dangerous, there is another less recognized threat lurking as well, drugged driving. Too often, individuals operate vehicles under the influence of prescription medications without fully assessing the risks of doing so.

Individuals in Clearwater, Hudson, and Tampa who ingest prescription medications such as allergy medications, pain prescriptions, and drugs for other health issues need to be aware of any side effects and adjust their daily habits accordingly. If you were injured because of an accident involving a drugged driver, reach out for legal support in order to explore next steps.

Driving Risks Associated with Prescription Medications

Medications prescribed by doctors are intended to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, but some can also impair cognitive function, reaction times, and judgment, making driving hazardous. Allergy medications, pain prescriptions, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants are just a few examples of medications that can affect driving performance.

• Allergy medications, commonly used to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion, can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, impairing a driver’s ability to stay alert and focused on the road.
• Pain prescriptions, including opioids and muscle relaxants, can induce drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reflexes, significantly impacting a driver’s reaction times and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can also impair cognitive function and judgment, posing risks on the road.

It is important to understand that if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a drugged driver in Florida, you have to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Even if the driver has a valid prescription for a drug that was supplied by their doctor, they can still be held liable for their negligent actions if those medications impaired their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Insurance Filings After an Accident

An experienced injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process after an accident injury. They can gather evidence to support your claim and advocate for your rights, whether that means accessing funds from your own PIP policy or a mix of your own protections and taking legal action.

While prescription medications can be life-changing resources for people, it’s essential for individuals taking drugs to be aware of the potential risks. They need to refrain from driving if they experience side effects that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Everyone needs to work together to keep Florida roads safe.

After an injury, see a doctor right away. Because your well-being is paramount, follow your treatment plan. Then, discuss your case with a Florida personal injury lawyer so you can achieve justice for the harm you’ve suffered.

Have you been collecting expenses after you were struck by a driver who was confused and under the influence of prescription drugs? After an accident injury involving a drugged driver, seek legal guidance from legal experts at Roman & Roman. When you connect with 100 years of combined experience, you can hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Schedule a confidential consultation today.

Although the law firm of Roman & Roman has offices in Clearwater, Hudson and Tampa, we handle cases and claims throughout  Florida. We also meet personally with our clients if at all possible, rather than impersonally over the phone or on the Internet.