Can driving sick increase the chances of an accident occurring?
Fort Walton Beach, FL—When a person is feeling ill or has been diagnosed with the common cold or even the flu, it can be risky for them to drive. In cases where a person’s medical condition is more serious, the risk only increases.
When a person is ill, their reaction time may be off and the medication they are taking could interfere with their ability to operate their vehicle safely. For example, when an individual has been diagnosed with the flu, they might feel fatigued, have a headache, and may have developed a fever.1 These symptoms alone can make it difficult for them to concentrate.
However, if an ill individual adds medication into the mix, it only makes driving harder on them.
How Medication Increases the Risk of a Motor Vehicle Accident
Certain types of medications, even those that can be purchased over the counter, can cause an individual to become drowsy and even dizzy.2 And because drowsy driving is comparable to driving while under the influence of alcohol, it is never a good idea for an individual to get behind the wheel of their vehicle after taking a medication that contains ingredients that are known to make them tired.
Can a sick driver be held liable for an accident?
If a driver causes an accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL, whether they are sick or not, they can be held financially liable for any property damage, injuries, or deaths they cause. In fact, if the individual was on a flu medication or another type of medicine that caused them to be impaired at the time of the accident, they could also be charged with DUI, or driving under the influence.
While most associate DUI with alcohol, a driver who operates their vehicle after having consumed any type of substance that causes impairment can also be charged with DUI. This includes opioids and over-the-counter medications.
Holding a Driver Liable for Injuries and Losses
Although Florida identifies as a no-fault state, a driver can still potentially recover compensation from a driver who caused an accident as a result of being sick. The fact is, drivers are expected to check the medications they are taking before driving to ensure they are safe to consume. If a driver takes a medication that can potentially cause drowsiness, they should refrain from getting behind the wheel of their vehicle.
To hold a driver in Fort Walton Beach liable for an accident, an individual may need to file a claim through their personal injury protection (PIP) policy first. If they sustained property damage or their PIP benefits become exhausted, they can then file a claim with the other driver’s insurer.
There are many avenues a driver can take to recover the compensation they are due after an accident, and the Fort Walton Beach, FL car accident attorneys at Browning Law Firm are ready and available to explain what these are.
To connect with a lawyer at Browning Law Firm, simply call 850-344-1736.
Browning Law Firm can be reached at:
418 Racetrack Rd. NE, Ste B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: 850-344-1736
Website: www.browninglawfirm.com
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