If you have been involved in a car accident with someone who is under the influence of alcohol, it may be easy to tell. You can likely smell it on them, they will likely be slurring their words, and the police can require them to take a breathalyzer when they get to the scene. It can be harder to determine if a person is under the influence of drugs.
However, there are behaviors that could indicate they are not sober. If you are in an accident, keep an eye out for these behaviors and find a way to get evidence of them if possible. This can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. You can contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now to request a free legal consultation.
- They Are Notably Drowsy
- They Cannot Concentrate
- They Are Agitated or Paranoid
- Their Speech is Slurred
- They Are Violent or Hostile
Many of the most commonly abused prescription drugs make people very tired. This includes Oxycontin, Vicodin, and other pain medications. This is why the bottles advise them not to drive. If you can see that the person you were involved in the accident with is visibly having a hard time staying awake, there is a good chance they are under the influence.
If the driver seems confused or cannot focus on even simple tasks like telling you their name, then they could be on anti-anxiety medication. For example, Xanax and Valium can both make it difficult for a person to concentrate. Users often describe it as a “fuzzy” feeling and doctors do not recommend that they drive if they are under the influence.
Of course, anyone might be upset after an accident for any number of reasons – especially if they are seriously injured. However, if the other driver seems to be very agitated and/or paranoid, then they could be on a stimulant. Some prescription drugs, such as Ritalin or Adderall, are generally safe and do not affect driving, but if the user takes too much, they can become nervous, paranoid, and dangerous behind the wheel.
This is often looked at as only a sign that a person is drunk, but it can also be a sign that a person has taken a medication such as a painkiller or anti-anxiety medication.
In some cases, a person goes beyond nervous or paranoid and becomes violent or hostile after taking a stimulant such as Ritalin or Adderall. In this case, stay calm, avoid confrontation, and let the police handle the issue when they get there.
Note that all of the above can also be signs of trauma after an accident. However, when taken with other behaviors in mind, they can indicate that a person is under the influence of drugs. Talk to your personal injury attorney if you suspect this is the case.
