Legal Options If You Were Hurt by a Driver Under the Influence of Marijuana

 Posted on April 26, 2022 in Car Accidents

Illinois has legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults. However, this does not change the fact that marijuana is an intoxicating compound. Whether it is inhaled, eaten in the form of a marijuana edible, or consumed in another state, cannabis products have serious psychological effects.

The drug impairs concentration and memory, increases reaction time, and harms cognition. Consequently, it is very dangerous to drive while high on marijuana. If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana, you may be able to take legal action and recover damages.

Car Crashes Caused by Drugged Driving

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal for a reason. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to injury-causing and fatal accidents. They are also more likely to react slowly to a dangerous situation on the road such as a stalled vehicle or dropped truck cargo. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident and you suspect that the driver was intoxicated by marijuana, do not hesitate to take legal action. Contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in car crash injuries who can help. You may be able to hold the driver accountable for the harm caused to you or your loved one. You may also be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Past and future medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and lost wages from missed work during your recovery may all be compensable. You may also be entitled to compensation for the crash's non-financial consequences on you and your family, such as pain and suffering and lost quality of life.

Negligence Per Se in a Crash Involving Marijuana Intoxication

Per Illinois law, a driver may be liable for damages if the driver’s negligence caused a crash. Negligence is technically defined as a failure to uphold a duty of care. Drivers have a legal duty to drive with a reasonable degree of caution and attention.

In many personal injury cases, proving that a party acted unreasonably and therefore negligently is a crucial aspect of the case. However, if a driver is in violation of the law when they cause a crash, they may be considered “negligent per se.” The injured party will not need to show proof of the breached duty of care if the crash involves negligence per se. The fact that the drugged driver broke a law designed to protect the public and caused injuries, as a result, is enough.

Contact a Champaign Car Crash Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by someone driving under the influence of marijuana, contact Kanoski Bresney. Our skilled Bloomington personal injury attorneys can help you hold the driver accountable and pursue financial recovery on your behalf.

Call 888-826-8682 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/20/health/marijuana-brain-cognition-wellness/index.html