May 2, 2017 | Car Accidents
There is no doubt that public attitudes toward marijuana have changed over the past few decades. Today, more than half of states have some form of legalized marijuana, and the Indiana House recently approved a bill that would allow people with epilepsy to use medical marijuana for treatment.
As pot use has become more acceptable socially and legally, many states have seen an increase in the number of people who drive while they are under the influence of marijuana. Driving while high is illegal under state law and also puts everyone else on the road at risk.
According to research conducted by the University of Washington and sponsored by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, marijuana diminishes every driving-related capacity, including the following:
Because of the way marijuana affects a person’s ability to drive, driving while high significantly increases a person’s risk of getting into an accident. Stoned drivers can cause accidents that result in extremely serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, burns, and severe soft tissue injuries.
Fortunately, under Indiana law, people who are injured by people who drive while they are high are usually able to recover compensation for the losses they incur. Common damages sought in marijuana accident cases include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
If you are involved in an accident and you think that the other driver may be high on marijuana or another drug, it is important to make sure that law enforcement gets involved. Driving while high is against the law, and police are trained to be able spot signs of intoxication. Furthermore, a criminal conviction for driving high can make it significantly easier for victims to recover compensation if the case becomes contested.
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many car accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced car accident attorney handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.
1 http://fox59.com/2017/02/21/indiana-house-passes-medical-marijuana-bill-for-epilepsy/