Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Drive After Taking Prescription Medication

There are a number of legitimate reasons why an individual would need to take a pill or get an injection. However, even if you are taking medication that is prescribed, it could be dangerous to drive after taking it. In a worst-case scenario, doing so could result in a serious accident that results in injury or death.

Medications Can Have Unpredictable Side Effects

You could take a medication for months or years without getting drowsy or otherwise experiencing significant side effects. However, if you start taking a new medication with it, the two could combine to create side effects such as drowsiness or muscle spasms without warning. Unusual side effects could also occur if you drink alcohol or use drugs in addition to taking a prescription medication.

You May Be Told Directly Not to Drive

In some cases, you could be warned directly either on the prescription or by your doctor not to drive after taking your medication. This is because there are known side effects that impair your ability to drive or use other machinery. Failing to heed this warning could increase the chances of getting into an accident. It could also make you directly liable for any injuries or deaths that occur to other drivers, passengers or pedestrians in those accidents.

Injured Victims Could Be Entitled to Compensation

Those who have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. A personal injury lawyer may be able to provide more insight into an accident victim’s rights in such a scenario. In some cases, both the driver who caused a crash and the victim will be declared jointly responsible for an accident occurring.