Injuries and Deaths Caused by Drivers Intoxicated by Marijuana

 Posted on July 08, 2022 in Personal Injury

Marijuana products are now commercially available in Illinois and many other states. Adults aged 21 and over are permitted to smoke or otherwise consume marijuana without fear of criminal consequences. However, the right to consume marijuana is not without limits and driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

Drivers who are intoxicated by cannabis flower or THC products are more likely to make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Consequently, “drugged driving” is prohibited by Illinois law.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a drugged driver, you may have question about your legal rights. Can I file an injury claim against the driver? Do I have to prove that the driver was intoxicated to recover compensation? How much financial compensation can I receive? Read on to learn more.

Crashes Caused by Drivers Under the Influence of Cannabis

Multiple scientific studies prove that THC, the psychoactive element of marijuana, impairs coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Intoxicated drivers may fail to respond to a hazard in time, drive erratically, miss stop signals, or make other driving mistakes.

Accidents caused by intoxicated drivers may cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spine injuries

• Back and neck injuries

• Broken bones

• Disfiguring lacerations

• Organ damage

• Amputation injuries

• Burns

• Others serious injuries

Individuals who are hurt in an accident caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana may need significant time off of work and extensive medical treatment. Vehicle repair or replacement costs may add to these financial burdens. Fortunately, victims of intoxicated driving accidents may be entitled to compensation.

Filing an Injury Claim After an Accident  

Illinois law allows injured crash victims to file a claim for damages if another party’s negligent or intentional actions cause them harm. If you or a loved one were in a crash and you suspect that the other driver was under the influence of marijuana, you do not necessarily need to prove that the driver was intoxicated to recover compensation. However, a police report showing that the at-fault driver was impaired may strengthen the case.

Car crash victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses resulting from the crash

• Lost wages from missed work

• Reduced earning capacity

• Vehicle damage and other property damage

• Pain and suffering

• Disfigurement

• Disability

Contact an Orland Park Car Crash Injury Lawyer

At Schwartz Injury Law, we help car accident victims pursue justice and financial reimbursement for medical bills, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our talented Cook County personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured victims and their families. Call us at 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2021/car-crash-deaths-involving-cannabis-on-the-rise/