Several years ago CBS News published an article titled: “Is Driving with a Cold as Serious as Driving Drunk?” This provocative headline belies a reality that should be concerning to us all, particularly in the era of COVID-19 and during a time when coronavirus cases across the country are reportedly spiking. Is driving with a cold as dangerous as driving drunk? Are people who choose to drive while sick with coronavirus not only putting others at risk of spreading the illness but also putting other drivers at risk? Let’s explore.
First, let’s look more closely at how being sick with a cold can affect your driving. CBS News reports that researchers studied the reaction times of drivers suffering from a cold. They found that drivers with a cold were more likely to use the brakes, had slower reaction times behind the wheel, and were more likely to drive erratically. The researchers noted that individuals suffering from a cold experienced a 50% decline in the quality of their driving ability. This is comparable to drinking four double whiskeys. What does this mean regarding driving while sick? It means that people who are sick with cold symptoms and especially those sick with COVID-19 symptoms should avoid getting behind the wheel and should choose to stay home.
But can you sue someone if you’ve been in a car accident and learn they were sick with the coronavirus? Unlike drunk driving, there’s no explicit law on the books against driving while sick. That said, some cold medicines can impact a person’s alertness and if these medicines are found to have impaired the driver or if the driver has high levels of medication in his or her system, he or she could potentially face charges for impaired driving. While there is no explicit law against driving with a cold, drivers who make deadly or dangerous errors behind the wheel can still face lawsuits from the drivers they injure. If another person was responsible for your accident, you and your family may have a right to sue the negligent driver for your medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Were you recently hurt in a car accident in Iowa City, Iowa? Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLLC is a car accident law firm that may be able to help you and your family. Our personal injury attorneys can review the details of your accident, identify negligent parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law. Contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLLC today to learn more.
When Should You Stay Home?
The Centers for Disease Control encourages those who are sick to stay home in this era of COVID-19. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Individuals who are sick with the coronavirus might experience coughing, fever or chills, shortness of breath, problems breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of sense of smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to stay home. More serious symptoms can include pressure in the chest and trouble breathing. If you experience these symptoms, you may want to get help getting to a hospital or a medical provider. You may not want to try to drive with a high fever, sickness, or while you’re having trouble breathing, but you do want to seek medical attention. Do not hesitate to call 911 for help.
Seek Justice If You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives. It has impacted the way we live, work, and even has implications for our driving. As more people avoid public transportation, there have even been concerns that more traffic on the road may put everyone at risk of accidents. If you’ve been in a crash, it is important to take steps to protect your rights. Call the police and report the crash. Exchange contact information with the other driver. Take photos of the accident scene. Exchange contact information with witnesses who saw the accident take place, and let your insurance company know you’ve been in a crash as soon as possible.
If you’ve been seriously injured due to the neglect or negligence of another driver, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical bills and lost wages. Reach out to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLLC, a personal injury lawyer in Iowa City, Iowa. You may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law, and our attorneys may be able to assist you with seeking damages. Reach out to us or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with a lawyer at Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLLC today.
