Driving And Prescription Drugs

If you are injured in the Chicago area in an accident with a negligent driver, you may be able to obtain reimbursement for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses by contacting an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer and filing a personal injury claim. Driving under the influence and texting while driving are the primary reasons people drive negligently, but intoxication isn’t always related to alcohol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning about the hazards of driving after using common prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. It’s a warning no one should take for granted.

Drowsiness can be caused by a number of popular prescription and over-the-counter medications. Always thoroughly read and heed the warning labels and directions that accompany any medicine you take. Demerol, Dolophine, Vicodin, and Oxycontin are especially apt to impair your driving ability. These medications can slow your reflexes and delay your reaction times, so never drive or operate heavy equipment when you’re using them. Never use illicit street drugs or alcohol in combination with prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. If you operate a vehicle while under the influence of any drug that impairs your driving ability, you could:

– seriously injure yourself and others

– become the target of a personal injury lawsuit

– be charged with DUI, meaning you’d face fines and possibly incarceration

Distractions are everywhere for drivers. On Chicago’s busy streets and highways, drivers are constantly distracted by trying to eat, groom, read, operate GPS devices, or care for pets or children while driving. Along with the intoxicated drivers, distracted drivers pose a genuine threat to you and your loved ones. If you’re injured in the greater Chicago area by a negligent driver, don’t wait; promptly speak to an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer who will aggressively fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.