Drivers Are Prohibited From Operating Commercial Trucks While Taking Certain Prescription Medications

A truck driver might take a prescription medication out of medical necessity, but they may be prohibited from driving afterward. Some prescription medications come with side effects that make a vehicle dangerous to operate. Therefore, the use of prescription medications might be a relevant factor when your truck accident lawyer negotiates a settlement for you.

Drowsiness and a Slow Reaction Time

Prescription medications can lead to drowsiness and some medications have side effects that similar to those resulting in having a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. The driver might have a slower reaction time and won't be able to adjust to sudden emergencies fast enough.

Poor Coordination and Decision-Making

Truck drivers under the influence of legal prescription medications are sometimes not able to make smart decisions, especially at the last minute. They might also lack coordination and may struggle to properly operate the vehicle. This could be caused by dizziness.

Anxiety

In some cases, the driver might even be anxious. Rather than having a slow reaction time, the driver might panic and steer the truck into your vehicle to cause a serious accident. The driver might argue that they are forced to take the medication, but some medications disqualify a driver from operating a vehicle.

Disqualifying Prescription Medications

When a truck driver is disqualified from operating a vehicle, they may need a doctor's note that states that it's safe to drive. Otherwise, the driver could be held liable for the accident if they still operate the truck. However, some medications will always disqualify a truck driver such as:

• Methadone
• Anti-seizure medications
• Habit-forming drugs

To hold the driver responsible, your truck accident lawyer must investigate the driver to find out if they were taking a prescription medication. The lawyer will also investigate how the accident occurred so that they can prove that the driver was negligent.

Liability for a Truck Accident

Regardless of whether the driver is under the influence of a prescription medication or not, the driver will be held responsible for not following traffic laws and for breaching their "duty of care."

For this reason, you will always want to involve a truck accident lawyer in your case so that they can make sure that you receive compensation for the accident. Your lawyer will contact the company that insures the truck and negotiate a settlement so you can be reimbursed for your medical bills and lost wages.