Mount Pleasant Over-the-Counter Drug Use Accident Lawyer

Our Mount Pleasant accident caused by over-the-counter drug use OTC drugs attorneys from George Sink, P.A.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs can cause accidents in roadways. However, a person’s driving ability can also be impaired by over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Drivers must understand the dangers of driving while intoxicated by any substance, including over-the-counter drugs. 

If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver who was under the influence of an OTC drug, a Mount Pleasant accident caused by over-the-counter drug use OTC drugs attorney from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you may be entitled to collect. 

Drivers May Get Impaired By Different Types of Over-the-Counter Drugs

Truck drivers may take OTC drugs to help them stay awake and drive longer so that they can meet their schedule demands. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration puts a limit to the number of hours a driver should be behind the wheel without rest. However, some truck drivers fail to adhere to these regulations in an attempt to deliver goods sooner. 

Some of the OTC drugs used by truck drivers include:

Cough and Cold Medicines

According to Mayo Clinic, taking cough and cold medicines in large doses can produce some side effects similar to that of illegal stimulants. Other than that, they can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and numbness. Abusing these drugs may impair the driver’s ability to operate the truck safely, prudently, and responsibly. 

Ephedrine

Ephedrine is a stimulant commonly found in weight loss products. Drivers seek this drug out because it can keep them awake for longer periods. After the initial stimulation ends, the drug increases fatigue and may also cause blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. 

Energy Pills and Drinks

Truck drivers take OTC energy pills to fight fatigue and enable them to drive longer. Even though the drugs give boosts of energy to drivers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that energy pills and drinks can be dangerous for users, in that they can cause dehydration, insomnia, anxiety, and cardiac issues.

Mount Pleasant Over-the-Counter Drug Use Accidents Lawyer Near Me(888) 612-7001

Your Lawyer Can Help You Determine the Potentially Liable Parties

Accidents involving trucks may have multiple liable parties from which you can pursue compensation. Our legal team may help gather evidence to establish the liable party. Evidence may include:

• The police report
• The truck driver’s logbook
• Photos and videos of the accident
• Eyewitness testimonies
• Expert testimonies, such as from medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists

After analyzing the data and identifying the liable party or parties, you may be able to pursue compensation from:

• The truck driver: If the driver was under the influence of OTC drugs, you may be able to hold them financially liable for your damages.
• The trucking company: If it is established that the trucking company’s demanding schedule made the truck driver take the OTC drugs to stay awake for longer periods, you may be able to hold the trucking company responsible for the driver’s actions.
• The drug manufacturer: If the truck driver took an OTC drug that was defective or had unlisted side effects, you may be able to hold the drug manufacturer responsible for damages caused by their product.

You May Need to Establish Negligence in an Accident Caused by OTC Drug Use

Your accident caused by over-the-counter drug use OTC drugs lawyer in Mount Pleasant may help you establish how the at-fault party or parties were negligent and caused your injuries.

 Establishing negligence after a drugged driving truck accident may involve proving the following elements were present in your case:

• Duty of care: Motorists owe all other road users a legal duty of care. This means that it is the driver’s obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing damage to others using the roadway. These actions include refraining from driving under the influence, which could impair safe driving practices. 
• Breach of duty: By being under the influence of an over-the-counter drug, the driver breached their duty of care.
• Causation: Due to the driver’s breach of duty, they caused the accident and harmed you in the process.
• Damages: Your injuries and financial losses are a result of the accident.

To support your claim, your lawyer may present evidence of your damages. Supporting evidence may include invoices, medical bill statements, and your salary history.

Accidents Caused By OTC Drug Use May Cause Severe Injuries

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accidents involving trucks killed over 4,700 people in 2017. Victims involved in truck accidents may suffer severe injuries, such as:

• Fractured bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord trauma
• Whiplash
• Organ damage

Whether you suffered minor or severe injuries, you might be entitled to receive compensation for your damages from the at-fault driver. A Mount Pleasant personal injury lawyer may help you pursue the compensation you need to recover from your losses.

Recoverable Damages

Our Mount Pleasant accident caused by over-the-counter drug use OTC drugs lawyers may help you recover damages, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Let George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Work on Your Case

An accident with a large truck can have a devastating impact on your health and livelihood. If the driver at fault was under the influence of an over-the-counter medication, our legal team wants to fight for them to be held accountable for their negligent actions. 

Contact the Mount Pleasant over-the-counter drug accident attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers by phone or online for a free case review.