Major Trauma Accident on East 47th Avenue
A Sacramento major trauma accident happened recently along eastbound 47th Avenue, east of the South Sacramento Freeway. It resulted in a major injury to one person. The accident happened shortly after 8:00 in the morning just east of 44th Street. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident involved a black SUV and blue Honda. The person who suffered the major injury was listed as a priority transport for ambulance personnel. The CHP also reported that there had been a health and safety code violation as a factor in the crash. For this reason, an arrest warrant had been issued. An H&S violation usually refers to a drug infraction. The identity of the individual who was injured has not been released at this time. The CHP is in charge of the investigation into the crash.
Drugged Driving and Motor Vehicle Accidents
Drugged driving can refer to illicit drugs and to certain over-the-counter or prescription medications and can lead to a major trauma accident. The one thing that occurs with certain drugs is that it makes the motorist unable to drive safely. This negligence can lead to a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Drugged drivers are treated the same way as drunk motorists and may be placed under arrest. If those drivers are convicted, they may face jail time, loss or suspension of their driver’s license and other penalties. When negligence is involved in a motor vehicle crash, those who are injured may file a claim for fair compensation. A seasoned lawyer can help by examining the evidence to build a strong case to compensate the injured person.
Illicit Drug Use and Driving
Just as alcohol consumption makes it dangerous to drive, so does the use of illicit drugs. Drugs such as marijuana, benzodiazepine, methamphetamine or cocaine can alter a driver’s perception and manner, making them a danger on the road. Methamphetamine or cocaine use can make a driver act recklessly or become aggressive, causing a major trauma accident. Benzodiazepine use can result in poor judgment, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. Marijuana use can impair coordination and judgment of distance and time as well as slow the driver’s ability to react, creating a menace.
Over-the-Counter Meds and Driving
The Food and Drug Administration warns that certain OTC meds may interfere with the ability to drive. Reading the medicine labels before ingesting an OTC remedy prior to driving is important to avoid an accident. Some of the OTC medicines that may impair someone’s ability to drive safely include:
- Antihistamines: Many people take medications for a cold, to combat allergies or when they have trouble sleeping. Antihistamines may also be added to other medications such as cold remedies. Those that contain diphenhydramine can lower your ability to react in an emergency. They can also cause drowsiness and make it more difficult to focus on the task at hand. This can lead to a major trauma accident.
- Antiemetics: Antiemetics are drugs that counter motion sickness or nausea. Side effects can include drowsiness, fatigue, differences in perception and dizziness.
- Antidiarrheals: Some antidiarrheals can cause extreme dizziness, nausea or even fainting.
Prescription Drugs and Driving
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants can make the individual sleepy and exhausted. Feeling sedated behind the wheel of a car is a bad idea. If you cannot switch to a medication that does not make you drowsy, take an uber or ask a family member or friend for a ride. It isn’t worth it to drive and risk a major trauma accident.
- Painkillers: Some painkillers, especially in higher doses, can get rid of the pain but can make the driver sleepy and affect judgment. With stronger painkillers such as Oxycontin, it is best to not drive until the person taking them has become accustomed to them.
- Sleeping pills: Sleeping pills may help you get a good night’s rest, but their effects can carry on into the next morning. This can leave a driver groggy, leading to a drowsy driver accident.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Driving while impaired, even by legal medications, can lead to a major trauma accident. If you or your dear one suffered injuries caused by negligence, I would like to offer you free and friendly advice. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free line at (800) 404-5400. In addition, I offer an online contact form.
As a Million Dollar Forum member, I join other top trial lawyers who have obtained more than $1 million for a prior client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This invitation-only group is reserved for lawyers they believe hold the highest standards of legal excellence in their practice.
I’ve worked as an injury lawyer for 37 years, upholding my clients’ rights to compensation in all kinds of motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful deaths.
By visiting the following links, you can review comments clients have added about how my law firm has helped them as well as some prior cases we have handled.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_36794425_l-2015
:cd llo [cs 869] cv