Motorist Admits to Driving on Prescription Drugs
A disabled Air Force veteran pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter after causing a multi-vehicle collision in University City, according to recent reports. The 40-year old female defendant admitted to driving under the influence of prescription depressants when her vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The crash killed the 77-year old husband and severely injured his 74-year old wife.
According to police reports, the defendant ran a red light driving in excess of 65 miles per hour when her vehicle crashed into the other automobiles, starting chain reaction that led to a multi-car accident.
Prescription Drugs and Driving
Some prescription and over-the-counter or OTC drugs are legal to consume prior to operating a vehicle, but others are not. Potent depressants and pain-killers are known to cause drowsiness or dizziness; this makes driving a vehicle dangerous to the person taking the drug and to others. The Federal Food & Drug Administration strongly advises against driving a motor vehicle when taking many prescription and OTC drugs.
Driving Under the Influence or DUI is commonly associated with alcohol or illegal drugs such as marijuana. However, it may be illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of prescription medication as well. It is the responsibility of the person taking the drug to learn the law related to a specific legal drug as well as to gauge his or her tolerance for the drug prior to getting behind the wheel. An arrest for driving under the influence of any drug may result in stiff penalties, including imprisonment.
Legal Drugs and Driver Liability
If a person causes injury or death to another person while operating a vehicle, the victim may seek compensation through a civil court. If the court finds in favor of the victim, it may award monetary damages to pay for the victim’s medical bills and lost income due to injury or death. In order to win a personal injury or wrongful death case, the plaintiff must prove negligence by the defendant. If the defendant was intoxicated due to prescription or OTC drug use, the court may find the defendant negligent.
Establishing liability due to another person driving under the influence of legal drugs can be difficult. A professional, experienced personal injury lawyer like Dan Gilleon in San Diego may be able to help a victim receive compensation for injury. A personal injury lawyer can also represent a victim’s interests during mediation and throughout the negotiation process associated with a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has been injured, call Dan Gilleon today.
