Medical Conditions That Increase Naples Car Accident Risks

Recent headlines shared the sad news that an older man was recently killed as a result of a car accident in Naples. Authorities suspect a medical condition he suffered from may have been responsible for the crash. Unfortunately, while the outcome is not always so severe, these types of cases are unfortunately common.

A variety of illnesses and chronic health conditions, along with different types of prescribed medications, can impact your driving abilities. Our Naples car accident lawyer explains more about the risks.

Medical Conditions That Impact Driving Abilities

A 58-year-old man was recently killed in a fatal car accident in East Naples. A March 5, 2024 Naples NBC News 2 report states that he was driving a van west on Davis Boulevard behind a Greater Naples Fire Rescue truck. For as yet undetermined reasons, the man appeared to lose control of his van and slammed directly into the rear of the truck.

The firefighters were unhurt, and the van driver was immediately taken to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Police say they are continuing to investigate the case and suspect a medical condition may have been to blame.

Many people in Naples suffer from ailments that can impact their vision, judgment, coordination, or reflexes. Unfortunately, these symptoms can prove extremely dangerous behind the wheel. Common medical conditions that can make Naples car accidents happen include:

• Heart attacks;
• Strokes;
• Low blood pressure;
• Diabetes;
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders;
• Arthritis;
• Breathing disorders;
• Sleep disorders;
• Anxiety disorders;
• Dementia;
• Any type of back or neck injury.

Common Medications That Can Cause Car Accidents In Naples

According to statistics from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety (FLHSMV), over 5,000 car accidents occur in Collier County each year. Medical conditions drivers suffer from can increase the risk, as can different medications that motorists take.

It is important for people recovering from injuries or suffering illnesses and chronic health conditions to discuss how medications that are prescribed could possibly impact their abilities behind the wheel. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that motorists should avoid driving with any of the following in their system:

• Opioid pain relievers;
• Any drug containing codeine;
• Benzodiazepines and other anti-anxiety medications;
• Anti-seizure drugs;
• Muscle relaxers;
• Certain antidepressants;
• High doses of steroids;
• Diet pills;
• Over-the-counter antihistamines and cough medicines.

In addition to increasing the risks of car accidents in Naples, the above and other types of medications could result in criminal charges for driving while impaired.

When Accidents Happen, Contact Our Naples Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents in Naples are complex events, and there are often multiple underlying causes. Certain types of medical conditions and a variety of prescribed or over-the-counter medications can make crashes more likely to happen.

At Cardinal Law Firm, we help injured victims get the compensation they need to recover. For trusted, local legal representation in filing a claim, contact our office and request a consultation with our Naples car accident lawyer today.

Sources:

nbc-2.com/article/58-year-old-man-dies-after-crashing-into-fire-truck-in-east-naples/60101625

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf

fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/some-medicines-and-driving-dont-mix#:~:text=Medicines%20That%20Might%20Affect%20Driving&text=opioid%20pain%20relievers,antipsychotic%20drugs