Prescription Drugs: What To Know When A High At-Fault Driver Caused Your Car Accident
Drug-related car accidents are on the rise in the United States. Most of the accidents relate to marijuana and other illegal street drugs. But if the person who caused your accident was high from prescription drugs, you may wonder if you can sue them for damages. You can pursue a case against the negligent driver with the right legal representation and information. Here's more information about prescription drug usage while driving and what you can do to recover compensation for your injuries.
Are Prescription Drugs Less Dangerous Than Street Drugs?
When it comes to driving, prescription drug use can have similar or the same dangerous effects on drivers as street drug usage. Like street drugs, certain prescription narcotics and sedatives can impair a person's ability to drive safely or react quickly to avoid accidents with other drivers and pedestrians.
For instance, some street and prescription drugs can cause drowsiness and slowed reaction times in individuals, while other types of street and prescription drugs can cause agitation and aggressiveness in people. Both types of drugs can have dangerous, and even life-threatening, effects on innocent drivers.
One of the problems with doctor-prescribed narcotics and sedatives is that many can cause serious short and long term side effects soon after taking them, including Ritalin. In addition, a great number of prescription drugs are abused or taken irresponsibly by individuals seeking relief from pain, depression, cancer treatment, and anxiety.
If the individual who caused your accident experienced any of the problems above, speak to a car accident attorney right away.
What Can You Do to Obtain Compensation?
An attorney may do a few things to help you win your case, including requesting the results of any blood and/or urine tests completed on the other driver. Some places now use or plan to use mobile drug testing on any individuals suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving. Other states perform the tests when they incarcerate drivers. No matter how the testing takes places, a lawyer can obtain the results they need for your case.
In addition, if the at-fault driver admitted to driving under the influence of prescription drugs after your accident, law enforcement may charge them with a DUI or DWI, depending on their state laws. DUI means to drive under the influence of a substance, while DWI means to drive while intoxicated. Because the terms can be used interchangeably, a car accident attorney can explain how they affect your particular case in greater detail when you meet with them.
After an attorney obtains the evidence they need against the other driver, they will present your case to the person's insurance company for compensation. The wait time and results of this step may vary, so keep in touch with an attorney throughout your case.
For more information about your case, contact a car accident attorney today.
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