Prescription Drugs, Collisions, and Injuries
When people think of impaired driving, alcohol or illegal drugs often come to mind. Yet prescription medications, particularly when misused or taken in combination with other substances, can also lead to dangerous collisions on Florida roads.
Drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of prescription drugs may face both criminal charges and civil liability. Whether you’re injured and seeking compensation or facing criminal charges after a crash, a Clearwater criminal lawyer can help protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Criminal Charges and Accountability
Many common prescription drugs have side effects that affect driving ability. Opioids, anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and even some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or slowed reaction times. Florida law does not distinguish between impairments caused by illegal drugs and those caused by lawful medications. If a driver is impaired and causes an accident, they can be held accountable.
In fact, there is a Florida statute that makes it illegal to drive under the influence of any substance that impairs normal faculties, including prescription drugs. The key issue isn’t whether the drug was legal, but whether the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.
If a driver causes an accident while impaired by prescription drugs, they may face DUI charges, especially if there is injury or property damage involved. The charges can escalate to felony DUI if serious bodily injury or loss of life occurs. When prescription drugs are mixed with illegal substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, or stimulants, the potential for impairment, and legal consequences, rises dramatically.
Law enforcement may arrest a driver on suspicion of DUI if they exhibit signs of impairment, even if a breathalyzer test is negative. In these cases, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) may evaluate the driver, and blood or urine tests may be conducted to confirm the presence of impairing substances.
Accessing Financial Relief After an Accident
For victims of drug-related crashes, accident-related costs can quickly add up. In Florida, injured parties may seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Victims can pursue damages through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy and, if necessary, file a civil lawsuit for additional compensation.
Driving while impaired by drugs, even unintentionally, can have life-altering consequences. It’s essential to understand how your medications may affect your ability to operate a vehicle. And if you or someone you love is involved in an accident where prescription or illegal drugs played a role, seeking legal guidance immediately is crucial.
A skilled Clearwater criminal lawyer with knowledge of both criminal and civil systems can help injured victims understand their rights and guide them through the legal process. If you are the one facing charges, a lawyer can review the circumstances of your arrest, challenge flawed testing methods, and explore alternative explanations for your condition.
Are you unsure of how to hold a drugged driver accountable after a Florida car wreck? Share the details of your situation with the attorneys at King Law Group to learn about your recovery options. Schedule a confidential consultation today.