We recently published an article noting the increasing incidence of drugged drivers and the hazards they are bringing to our Florida highways. “Drugged driving is just as reckless as drunk driving. It can lead to tragic car accidents and injuries,” said Florida injury attorney Philip DeBerard, III.
In March, a Treasure Coast accident left a woman facing charges of DUI impairment / serious bodily injury and three counts of child neglect after she crashed her vehicle. She was found to have cocaine and alcohol in her system. Unfortunately, the woman was not traveling alone – her 9-month-old baby and 4- and 5-year-old children were also passengers in the car.
Although some accidents in Florida are caused by drivers under the influence of illegal drugs, as in the case above, some have been found to be driving dangerously with a controlled substance in their system. Now, according to TC Palm, the Drug Enforcement Administration is concerned with the significant increase in the number of prescriptions of oxycodone filled in Florida and is investigating several South Florida pharmacies.
Oxycodone is one of the most highly controlled prescription medications in the United States. The drug is an opioid narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. If oxycodone is combined with alcohol, dangerous side effects or death can occur. Oxycodone can be extremely addictive.
Oxycodone may cause drowsiness, impair a user’s ability to think clearly and adversely affect reaction times. Driving or operating any machinery should be avoided while taking oxycodone.
According to the American Chronic Pain Association, chronic pain is the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. In fact, 50 million Americans are living with chronic pain. For many of these patients, oxycodone is an important prescription drug for helping battle the debilitating effects of pain. Unfortunately, if the drug falls into the hands of drug-dealers or illegal users, too many lives could be in danger.
TC Palm reports from the DEA records that a retail pharmacy purchasing large amounts of oxycodone indicates that they fill prescriptions that are issued by physicians at pain clinics, and/or by a pharmacy that services individuals who seek drugs and abuse the medication.
Our Florida car accident attorneys know that if people take oxycodone and get behind the wheel of a car, the chances of a car accident are greatly increased. If you are on a prescription painkiller such as oxycodone, we urge you to get a designated driver. Drugged driving is no safer than drunk driving, and we encourage you to refrain from driving when on prescription medication.
Turn To A Florida Accident Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a Florida traffic accident caused by a drunk or drugged driver, contact a car accident attorney who has helped many injury victims recover from serious automobile accidents. I am attorney Philip DeBerard. I have more than three decades of legal experience representing people injured in car accidents and other personal injury claims.
At the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we pride ourselves on providing one-on-one attention to people across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Our law firm represents victims of car accidents across South Florida, including Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jupiter, Vero Beach and Palm Beach, and throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast.
Call 1-800-299-8878 now to speak with a Florida car accident attorney or fill out our online contact form.
