Often, thinking about drugged driving brings up visions of illicit street drugs such as cocaine. However, some people fail to remember that prescription medication, even when taken in accordance with a doctor’s recommendations, can lead to intoxication and impede a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. If you consume prescriptions, it is important to be mindful of how the drugs may affect you and stay off the road if you are unsure.
There are a variety of prescription drugs that people take, which can lead to drowsiness and intoxication. From those which aim to relieve pain to medications that are intended for those with an anxiety disorder, various prescriptions can pose a risk when drivers have them in their system. Sometimes, people intentionally abuse these drugs or are addicted to them, especially in light of the opioid epidemic plaguing the U.S. However, even people who stay within the guidelines their physician has set forth may lose their ability to concentrate or drive properly, which pinpoints how essential it is for drivers to keep these risks in mind.
If you were struck by someone who got in their car while impaired by prescription drugs, you should go over your legal options with a Newport Beach car accident lawyer and do whatever you can to help yourself move on. Unfortunately, many of these accidents leave victims with devastating injuries that could interfere with their job or things they enjoy in life.
Our office’s car accidents section serves as a resource for those who would like to find more information on motor vehicle wreck topics.