Although driving while on prescription medication doesn’t have the same social implications as driving under the influence of alcohol, it can be equally if not more dangerous. Many prescription drugs have specific warning labels that indicate those who are taking them should not operate a vehicle. Depending on the side effects of the medication, driving can be a dangerous activity.
Unfortunately, people often ignore the warnings from their pharmacist or doctor and drive anyway. After all, not being able to get where you want to go on your own can feel like a major inconvenience. But is it really worth risking the lives of other motorists on the road? Some people are willing to take that risk and this is when serious accidents can happen.
The Dangers of Driving on Prescription Medication
Some of the common effects of medication that lead to dangerous driving include:
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Reduced reaction time
- Distraction or difficulty concentrating
- Drowsiness
There are many dangers of driving under the influence of prescription medication. For example, the inability to see the road clearly can result in shifting into the bike lane and injuring a cyclist or a pedestrian. Those who are experiencing drowsiness might fall asleep at the wheel and run into another car when they skip past a stop sign. It’s important to understand the signs of a driver who is on prescription medication and should be off the road so that you can avoid them.
Signs That Could Indicate a Dangerous Driver Is on Prescription Medication
Although an accident may be difficult or impossible to avoid, there are ways to proactively take safety into your own hands when you’re on the road. One of the most significant ways that you can attempt to avoid a serious accident with someone who is driving unsafely after taking prescription medication is to learn how to recognize the signs of a dangerous driver. Some notable signals that might indicate someone is driving dangerously are very similar to what you might witness with a drunk or distracted driver. These could include but are not limited to:
- Inability to stay in the correct lane. If you notice that someone is swerving in and out of their lane for no apparent reason at all, or if they are switching lanes randomly, there is a good chance that they are either drowsy or unable to see clearly.
- Speeding or driving much slower than traffic. Those drivers who are unobservant of the speed of traffic around them pose a threat to other vehicles on the road.
- Missing traffic lights and other traffic signs. Someone on prescription medication who shouldn’t be driving might be distracted or inattentive. This could result in running through a red light or a stop sign and injuring another driver, bike rider, or pedestrian.
What to Do if You Suffered Injuries
If you were in an accident and believe that the liable party was under the influence of a substance and should not have been driving, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Call the police. They will show up to the scene of the accident and interview those who were involved. Often, this is when officers can identify that the at-fault driver is under the influence of some sort of drugs. Even though they might have a legal right to take the prescription, if the instructions indicate they should not be driving while on the medication, serious consequences can follow. While you are waiting for the police to arrive, evaluate your injuries and see if you need for them to call an ambulance for expedited medical care.
- Go to the doctor. Some people make the mistake of waiting to get medical attention until days or even weeks after an accident. This can be a costly mistake. Even if you don’t think that your injuries are all that serious, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries have delayed symptoms so you might not know that you are hurt right away. Indicators or whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries all might take hours or even days to present symptoms. If you delay in seeking medical attention, the insurance companies might come back to attest that the injuries you are seeking compensation for must not be that serious. Even worse, they might attempt to argue that the injuries aren’t even related to the accident. Protect yourself and see a doctor immediately after an accident.
- Speak with an attorney. Although you might have a good idea that the person who hit you was under the influence of prescription medication and should not have been driving, it will be up to your attorney to show this in order to gain compensation for your damages. A skilled car accident lawyer will outline the extent of your economic and non-economic damages in order to pursue your claim. They can obtain important information like the official police report and provide a list of items for you to collect in order to present a solid claim for compensation.
Talk to an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today
A car accident can be a terrifying experience, especially when it results in serious injuries to the victims involved. If you’ve been in a car accident and find out that the at-fault party was driving on prescription medication when they were advised not to, the situation can begin to feel incredibly frustrating. It’s understandable why you might feel that way, especially when the person who is liable for your injuries should never have been driving in the first place.
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our skilled legal team knows the difficulty that can come after you suffer injuries in a car accident that involves someone who was on prescription medication. We are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us today at (404) 418-8244 to schedule a free initial consultation. We will listen to the details of your situation and put together a comprehensive plan of action.
