Indiana Roadway Accident Claims Life of Sacramento Man
A Sacramento man was killed in Indiana on I-70 in a roadway accident near the 56- mile marker in Putnam County as he was placing warning devices around his broken down vehicle. According to the Indiana State Police, an Indiana driver was arrested after he hit the Sacramento local, identified as Freddie Smith by authorities. Smith died at the scene of the roadway accident. The Indiana resident was identified as Brian Rosano, 42. Rosano lives in Brazil, a city in Clay County. Rosano was taken to a hospital in Putnam County. I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Freddie Smith.
More Details
Rosano was allegedly impaired by a controlled substance when the roadway accident occurred. He was taken into custody and can be charged with endangerment of others and driving under the influence. Rosano may also be charged with the death of another person while impaired. He is slated to be brought to the Putnam County jail after release from the medical facility.
Controlled Substances
A controlled substance is one whose use or possession is regulated by the government. The manufacture of such drugs is also regulated. Controlled substances consist of both legal and illegal drugs. There are five classifications of controlled drugs. They are:
- Schedule I: Drugs in this category have no medical use in the United States. They are Heroin, peyote, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“Ecstasy”), and methaqualone. Marijuana is also in this category but has been recognized as having a medical use.
- Schedule II: They include methadone (Dolophine), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), fentanyl (Sublimaze, Duragesic) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). Other drugs in this category include codeine, amobarbital, pentobarbital, and morphine. Stimulants in this group are amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) and methamphetamine (Desoxyn).
- Schedule III: These drugs have a less abusive profile than those in the above schedules. However, physical and psychological abuse does occur. They include drugs with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone such as Vicodin. Others are those with less than 90 milligrams of codeine (Tylenol with codeine) and buprenorphine (Suboxone). Anabolic steroids such as Depo-Testosterone are also found in this category as a non-narcotic substance.
- Schedule IV: Schedule IV drugs are even less addictive. They are Alprazolam (Xanax), clorazepate (Tranxene), carisoprodol (Soma), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril) and lorazepam (Ativan).
- Schedule V: This schedule contains drugs with an even lower potential for abuse. They are Robitussin AC and Phenergan with Codeine, both of which have less than 200 milligrams of codeine for every 100 milliliters.
Driving While Drugged
Just as with alcohol, taking drugs and driving is unsafe. It not only puts the driver at risk for a roadway accident but also other occupants of the vehicle and anyone on the road. Such drugs have effects on the brain from lowering cognitive function to impairing reaction time. Almost 13 million people drive after taking illegal drugs. Men and those between the ages of 21 and 25 are more likely to do this.
Effects of Illicit Drugs on Driving
The following explains what these drugs can do:
- Marijuana: Marijuana impairs judgment and slows reaction time. It also lowers coordination and impairs distance and time judgment. The ability to have marijuana in California has changed. This does not mean that a person can smoke and drive.
- Methamphetamine and cocaine: Recklessness and even aggressiveness can be seen with a driver using such drugs.
- Benzodiazepines and opioids: Both of these can cause drowsiness, impair cognitive judgment, and cause dizziness.
What an Experienced Lawyer Can Do For You
When a loved one dies due to another’s negligence, it is important to have an attorney at your side. Your family will not only face the loss of the deceased’s love and emotional support but also their financial help. An attorney is well-versed in dealing with insurers and the court system in wrongful death lawsuits. He or she will be able to counsel the family on who can file and help them calculate the financial loss associated with the person’s death. There is a time limit on filing a wrongful death case, and your attorney will make sure that all documents are filed on time.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death attorney. If you lost a loved one because of negligence, call me for free and friendly advice. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 outside of the area code. You can also contact me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve helped many residents of Sacramento file claims concerning all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic injuries.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, which offers membership only to lawyers who have helped a client win $1 million or more. I was also asked to become a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This group is made up of attorneys who offer clients the highest degree of legal counseling.
If you would like to learn about my practice, visit the following pages:
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