Paths Forward When Prescription Drug Use Results in a Car Accident
Prescription medications are part of modern healthcare, they help millions of people manage chronic conditions and alleviate pain, but there are situations where medications are not taken properly or drug intake is not monitored effectively. Unfortunately, this has led to impaired driving, resulting in Clearwater, Hudson, and Tampa car accidents.
Understanding Liability and Pursuing Recovery
There are complex legal issues that can arise when there is a car accident and a driver has ingested medication. Determining liability can be complex. Part of the process will be establishing if the driver was under the influence of the medication at the time of the accident and, if so, providing it significantly impaired their ability to drive safely.
To establish fault, expert testimony and a thorough investigation will likely be required. Negligence can be connected to a variety of actions, including the following:
- Failing to follow prescribed dosages
- Ignoring printed warnings on prescription instructions or medication labels
- Not heeding a doctor’s advice regarding driving restrictions while taking specific medications
- Getting behind the wheel even though the driver knew the medication they were taking was impairing their ability to drive safely.
Once evidence is gathered through the investigation process, a negotiation will likely begin. To start this process, your attorney may send the insurance company a demand letter, a document that outlines all of the damages.
After a demand letter is received by an insurance company, an adjuster will respond with their own monetary figure based on their investigation of the collision. Typically a fair settlement that covers an injured party’s losses can be obtained through a give-and-take process, without the need for a lengthy court battle. When a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney can talk you through the advantages and advantages of filing a lawsuit.
Prevention and Advocacy
When healing from an accident injury, your well-being needs to be a top priority, meaning you need access to the medical care necessary to recover to the best of your abilities. It is also common for the aftermath of a car accident to be emotionally challenging, so leaning on supports, such as close friends, family members, counselors, and therapists is also advised. A skilled Florida personal injury lawyer can connect you with medical professionals and mental health professionals.
Beyond your individual case, it is important for everyone in Florida and throughout the country to advocate for safe prescription drug use. So, if you have been involved in an accident due to medication use, speaking out about your experience means you can contribute to preventing future accidents, raising awareness about the risks associated with impaired driving due to medications.
Do you believe medications were a contributor to a recent motor vehicle collision? Whether you are in the beginning of pursuing a personal injury claim or need a professional to take your case to court, the attorneys at Roman & Roman will work towards achieving justice for your injuries and damages. Connect with over 100 years of combined experience, schedule your 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.
