A person driving under the influence of sleeping pills like Ambien and other pills is considered equal to driving under the influence of drugs. However, a wrong prescription or mislabeled drug can misguide a person and make them victims of a car accident.
A person encountering a car accident due to drowsy driving after consuming a sleeping pill can hold the drug manufacturer or prescriber accountable for not explaining the guidelines or how the drug should be consumed. In such cases, the victim can hold them responsible for the accident and file a car accident lawsuit with the help of a car accident lawyer Cheyenne.
What is a sleeping pill, and how does it affect driving skills?
Sleeping pills are sedatives. When taken in higher doses, these behave as hypnotics. Moreover, sleeping pills are prescribed to patients dealing with sleep disorders like insomnia. When consumed in prescriber doses, it does not make a person fall asleep but gives a feeling of relaxation, and a victim feels drowsy.
Consuming sleeping pills before driving a vehicle is considered impaired driving, as sleeping pills like Ambien affect the brain and the nervous system. The effect on the nervous system may slow down the reflexes and action time of a person under the influence of Ambien. It is the responsibility of a doctor prescribing a sleeping pill to ensure that their patients do not drive under the influence of the pill and consume no more than the prescribed dose.
If a person consumes a sleeping pill and does not sleep or rest immediately or if they overdose on a sleeping pill, they might hallucinate or end up in a state of coma. All sleeping pills have similar effects on the body. Therefore, one must stay extremely careful when taking sleeping pills.
How can a lawyer help in such cases?
A car accident victim driving under the influence of an Ambien or other sleeping pills is held responsible for any injuries and damages caused to the opposite party. However, in some instances where the victim is unaware of the drug guidelines, they can get compensation for their damages with the help of a lawyer. Moreover, the settlement amount can also be altered with the help of a lawyer. They know how to negotiate with the insurance company of the opposite party.
Crashing into someone while under the influence of sleeping pills can hold a person responsible for personal injuries as well as a criminal offense.