Car Accident Attorneys See Rise In Prescription Drug Crashes
Car Accident Attorneys Cite Prescription Drug Abuse As Growing Cause Of Auto Accidents In Wisconsin
When we think of auto accidents, we usually think of drunk or distracted drivers or driver error, but a growing cause of auto accidents in Wisconsin can be traced back to prescription drug use. The Eisenberg Law Offices’ car accident attorneys have seen a rise in such cases in Wisconsin. In fact, while alcohol-related car accidents and injuries are down in the state, drug-related traffic accidents are up by 200% compared to 10 years ago. Many of these accidents can be traced back to opioid use – both prescribed and not.
Drugged Driving Is Illegal In Wisconsin
Regardless of whether the drug is a legitimately prescribed drug or was illegally obtained, the effects of driving while under the influence of prescription drugs are startlingly similar to driving while intoxicated from alcohol. Car accident attorneys have seen firsthand that operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, even prescription drugs, can be just as deadly as operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illegal narcotics. This is because when prescription drugs enter the bloodstream, it can cause similar reactions to alcohol in the bloodstream, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and delayed reaction times.
Many people disregard the use of prescription drugs, thinking they are okay because a physician prescribed them. But if the side effects impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle, you should not drive with the medications in your system.
The effects are so serious that Wisconsin State Statute 346.63 makes drugged driving just as illegal as drunk driving in the state. In response, the state has increased officer training in detecting drugged driving, which means more enforcement and more arrests. You may find yourself charged with an OWI or DUID (driving while under the influence of drugs).
The safest course of action is to avoid driving while using prescription or even over-the-counter drugs until you know how they affect you and your ability to drive. This is particularly important if your doctor specifically tells you not to drive while using the medication. Keep in mind that even if you have the doctor’s okay to drive or you feel fine, you can be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur in an accident that you cause.
Consult Car Accident Attorneys For More Advice About Drugged Driving
As with DUI, police officers still must follow certain procedures to charge a driver with DUID or OWI related to prescription drugs. It is possible to fight prescription drugged driving charges, but you need the help of experienced car accident attorneys to do so.
If you have been involved in an accident or been pulled over for drugged driving, contact the Wisconsin auto accident attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison. We can help you.
Contact Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison, WI to arrange a free and confidential consultation at 608-256-8356 or online.