Prescription Medications and Driving Risks
I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous our roads can be when drivers get behind the wheel under the influence of substances, both recreational drugs and prescription medications. Many people don’t realize that even medications prescribed by a doctor can have serious side effects that make driving hazardous.
Too often, drugged drivers lead to people getting hurt. Then, injured parties need a New Orleans personal injury lawyer like me to connect them with a full and fair settlement offer. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by a drug-impaired driver, reach out. Let’s work together to hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you need to recover.
How Drugs Affect a Person’s Ability to Drive
Prescription drugs are often necessary to manage health conditions, but many come with side effects that impair a person’s ability to drive safely. Medications such as opioids, antidepressants, sedatives, and even certain allergy medications can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times, dizziness, and confusion.
Whether a driver is under the influence of recreational drugs or prescription medications, drugs can diminish driving capabilities and put everyone on the road at risk. While most people know the dangers of driving while using recreational drugs, it’s essential to recognize that prescription drugs can be just as risky. After an injury caused by an impaired driver, you have the right to seek compensation.
Ways to Establish Impairment
Proving that a driver was under the influence of prescription drugs requires gathering solid evidence. Here’s how we can build your case:
- Police reports. After an accident, always make sure the police are called to the scene. Officers may note signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or confusion, which could indicate the driver was under the influence. The driver might also admit to taking medication, which should be documented in the report.
- Medical records. If the police report or other evidence indicates the driver was impaired, we can request access to the driver’s medical records and prescription history.
- Toxicology reports. In some cases, toxicology tests may be performed after the accident, these reports can show the presence of prescription drugs in the driver’s system.
- Witness statements. Witnesses may have observed the driver’s behavior before or after the accident. Erratic driving, swerving, or other unusual actions can suggest impairment.
- Expert testimony. We may bring in medical or pharmacology experts to explain how certain medications affect driving performance. This testimony can help illustrate how the other driver’s medication likely contributed to the accident.
As your New Orleans personal injury lawyer, I’ll fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether that driver was taking prescription medication or using recreational drugs, the bottom line is that they were unfit to be on the road, and you shouldn’t have to pay the price for their recklessness.
When are you going to hold a responsible party accountable? Have a conversation with the lawyers at Palazzo Law Firm after an accident involving an impaired driver in New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna. Call 504-433-1442 for a confidential consultation.
