
Most responsible drivers are aware of the dangers of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle if they have been drinking alcohol. They are also aware of the effect illegal or recreational drugs can have on their ability to operate safely. However, one of the things these same responsible drivers may not even consider is the effect that many prescription medications can have on their ability to drive safely. Unfortunately, many medications are frequently prescribed that have potential side effects that can endanger not only the driver but everyone else on the road as well.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a driver under the influence, a Norfolk car accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can evaluate your case and determine what legal recourse you may have.
What Impact Can Prescription Medication Have on Driving Ability?
Before taking any new medication, you should always check with your doctor and pharmacist for any side effects that could occur that would have an impact on your driving ability. Some of these side effects are temporary and go away quickly, while others have an extended effect. Mixing medications can be particularly dangerous, so it is also important to check with your medical provider and pharmacist to make sure any new medication will not have an adverse reaction when combined with any current medications you are on. This is also true for many over-the-counter (OTC) medications, too.
Some of the most common medication side effects include:
- Aggressive behavior
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Inability to focus
- Nausea
- Slower movements
- Slower reaction time
There are many medications that can hamper your ability to drive safely, especially when they are combined with other medications. According to the FDA, this includes the following:
- Anti-anxiety drugs like Valium and other benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft
- Anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium
- Antipsychotic drugs, such as Abilify and risperidone
- Anti-seizure medications like Lyrica and lorazepam
- Cannabidiol (CDB) products
- Diet pills, caffeine pills, and other stimulants
- Motion sickness drugs, such as Bonine and Dramamine
- Muscle relaxants, such as Soma and cyclobenzaprine
- Opioid pain relievers, including codeine, morphine, and oxycodone
- Prescription and OTC allergy drugs like Benadryl
- Prescription and OTC cold remedies, such as Nyquil
- Prescription and OTC sleeping pills like Ambien and Lunesta
Of course, in addition to the side effects of prescription medications and the potential for car accidents, there is also the additional issue of prescription drug abuse and the impact it has had on car accident rates.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Crash Caused by an Impaired Driver
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a driver under the influence, it’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your health, legal rights, and potential claim for compensation:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Call emergency services and seek medical care for your injuries, even if they initially seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.
Contact Law Enforcement
Report the accident to the police and ensure they document the incident. A police report is a critical piece of evidence, especially in DUI cases, as it may contain the results of the intoxicated driver’s sobriety tests or blood alcohol content (BAC) level.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, collect evidence such as photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses who can provide statements about the driver’s behavior and the accident.
Do Not Admit Fault
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the scene, as your statements could be used against you later. Focus on relaying factual information to law enforcement and insurance providers.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid making detailed statements or accepting a settlement without legal guidance.
Consult an Attorney
It is a crime under Virginia law to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition to criminal charges, an impaired driver who causes an accident may also be responsible for punitive damages for any victims who were injured in the crash or to the families of anyone killed in the crash. Punitive damages are punishment for the driver for their reckless behavior.
Your next step should be to contact a skilled Norfolk car accident attorney. They can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Since 1984, Jim St. Clair has fought and helped Virginia Beach personal injury clients overcome some of the most traumatic moments of their lives. Whether you have been in an accident caused by the fault of another or a victim of medical malpractice, the results can leave you profoundly damaged physically, mentally, and economically. You may be entitled to substantial compensation. Jim is a seasoned and experienced personal injury trial attorney with 40 years of experience. He graduated with honors from Creighton University School of Law in 1984 and then served in a prestigious federal law clerk position for the late U.S. District Judge J. Calvitt Clarke, Jr., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Over several decades, Jim has enjoyed remarkable success advocating for injured clients and has won notable multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. He has tried cases in Virginia General District and Circuit Court and in the Eastern and Western District Virginia Federal Court. In one case that went up on appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia, he convinced the court to change the law regarding the statute of limitations in Virginia medical malpractice “misdiagnosis” cases. Jim’s areas of Virginia personal injury law practice include medical malpractice, car and truck injury cases, dog bite injuries, and cases involving negligence at business premises. Within these areas of law, he has also successfully prosecuted numerous wrongful death actions. Outside the courtroom, Jim has served on the board of directors of the Better Business Bureau, taught as an adjunct professor for business law at Old Dominion University, instructed future paralegals at the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and lectured Virginia attorneys on the subject of “insurance litigation in Virginia.” He is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Virginia Beach Bar Association. If you have been impacted by the negligence of another, contact Jim St. Clair today for a free, confidential personal injury law consultation.