Should I Drive Myself to See a Doctor If I Have COVID-19 or Show Any Symptoms?
by Amber Cortez | April 6th, 2020 | Legal Representation
As COVID-19 grows from a health concern to a health crisis, developing new protocols and procedures to keep people virus-free are crucial to curbing its spread. At the same time, old rules must be enforced to prevent unnecessary infection–and injury–from occurring as well.
If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms related to coronavirus, you may consider driving yourself to the hospital, but doing this, however, could be putting yourself at risk of getting into a costly car accident.
With so many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the McAllen car accident lawyer of J.Gonzalez Injury Attorneys would like to provide you clarity by sharing crucial information regarding what to do, and what not to do, about seeking medical care without putting yourself, or others, at risk of an accident or infection.
The Dangers of Driving Sick
In an article published by ABC News, it was determined by Young Marmalade, a UK car insurance agency, and the Cardiff University in Wales that driving while ill is similar to someone driving inebriated. The article also shared:
- Drivers that experience flu-like symptoms are bound to have a 50% decrease in their driving capabilities, resulting in major losses in concentration and slower reaction times.
- An ill driver’s level of impairment is similar to consuming four double whiskeys.
- Additionally, a single sneeze can keep a driver’s eyes closed for up to 3 seconds, which is enough time to cause a collision.
To avoid causing a major accident, it is highly advisable to have a designated driver transport you to the hospital or to the pharmacy if you’re sick or medicated, but if you suspect that you have the coronavirus, you need to call your primary care physician first. More on this later.
Keep in mind that while there are no federal or Texas state laws preventing drivers from driving while sick, drivers should absolutely not get behind the wheel if they are taking over-the-counter drugs that may contain naproxen, codeine, and even small levels of alcohol. In essence, you may be held liable for any accidents in Texas as driving sick or medicated is 100% preventable.
What To Do If You’re Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms
With new Rio Grande Valley COVID-19 cases reported every day, local authorities are asking those who are feeling flu-like symptoms stay at home in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
However, according to another article in the New York Times, if you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider immediately to inform them. From there, they will get in touch with the local health department, and further instructions will be given from there.
Just showing up to the hospital or emergency room for minor symptoms can infect others–especially immunocompromised people like cancer patients, etc.–as staff need time to make adequate preparations for victims suffering from COVID-19.
If you start to experiencing severe symptoms like bluish lips, trouble breathing, or persistent chest pain or pressure, contact 911 and inform them that you are being evaluated for symptoms of COVID-19 and await further instruction.
Count on J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys To Take On Your Personal Injury Case Virtually!
In light of the current situation we are all facing, J. Gonzalez Injury Attorneys are urging Rio Grande Valley residents to stay home during this pandemic, and if you have a car accident claim that you need to file, reach out to our McAllen car accident lawyers through an online consultation.
Our attorneys will–through video conferencing or teleconferencing applications–still hear out personal injury victims that want to seek civil justice. We will be able to walk them through on how the legal process works and evaluate what legal options are available in order to proceed with your case moving forward.
