Many people think that prescription drugs are harmless. However, that is far from the truth. Xanax is a prescription drug that can make driving dangerous when it is used by itself or along with another drug. Our attorneys have represented many people who have been injured as the result of a driver who was impaired by Xanax or a similar drug.
Xanax is a drug that is prescribed to treat anxiety. It works by depressing the central nervous system. It is in a class of medications that are known as benzodiazephines. These medications are typically not prescribed for long-term use because there is a risk of dependency.
Mood changes, dizziness, slurred speech, suicidal thoughts, drowsiness and hallucinations are some of the side effects of Xanax. Unlike drunk driving, there is not any test that can confirm whether someone is drugged while driving. However, Florida does keep track of accidents where officers believed that drugs played a role.
Officers suspected that drug use played a role in 2,000 car accidents in Florida. However, there were only 557 accidents that were caused by drugs. In 2014, drugs played a role in 21 percent of the accidents that occurred in Florida. A woman in Florida faced a murder charge in 2015 after killing a pedestrian. She stated that it was not the Xanax itself that caused the accident. The accident was caused by withdrawal symptoms.
This individual was also using Benadryl along with Xanax. She stated that she was suffering from Severe Anxiolytic Withdrawal Syndrome. She stated that the condition made it difficult for her to understand the wrongfulness of her actions. Lastly, she told the police officers that she had been awake for five days after withdrawing from Xanax and Benadryl.
Alcohol-impaired accidents are far more likely. However, drugged driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. It does not matter whether one is using illegal or legal drugs. It is important to get help if you have been involved in an accident.
You can contact a personal injury attorney if you have been injured in a drugged driving accident. We will help you understand how the laws apply to your specific case. We will also discuss your legal options and protect your rights. Furthermore, we will help you get compensated for your injuries.