Drivers Taking Opioid Medications are a Danger to Themselves and Others
In 2017, Texas healthcare providers wrote 53 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people. Other Texans got prescription opioid drugs from friends, relatives, or on the street.
While opioids provide some people with much-needed pain relief, opioid-related car crashes have increased significantly in recent years and caused many people a lot of pain
The Danger of Opioid-Related Car Crashes
Prescription opioids such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet, can cause:
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty making decisions
- Dizziness
- Slowed reaction time
All of these things can make a driver using prescription opioid medications dangerous.
Were Opioids a Factor in Your Crash?
At the scene of the accident, you may not know whether the other driver was under the influence of prescription opioid medication. Unlike alcohol and marijuana, you won’t be able to smell a driver’s opioid use, and there may be no indication that the driver took medication.
However, as you and your car accident lawyer begin to investigate the cause of your crash, you may want to know if the other driver was taking an opioid drug. It could be evidence of negligence, and be relevant to your claim and your recovery.
During the discovery phase of your lawsuit, your lawyer may request information about prescription opioid medication in written interrogatories or during a deposition, and the other driver may be required to answer under oath. Additionally, your lawyer may request certain documents, such as prescription records, if opioid use is suspected.
Let a Lawyer Help You Protect Your Rights
You shouldn’t have to suffer from serious car accident injuries because someone else was taking prescription pain medication. Instead, the person who caused your crash, or that person’s insurance company, should compensate you for your medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, pain, suffering, and other damages.
To learn more about how to get the recovery that you deserve, please contact Attorney Steven M. Lee, PC today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.