Posted on Friday, January 12th, 2018 at 1:26 am    

CALIFORNIA MARIJUANA-IMPAIRED DRIVING ACCIDENTS

Now that recreational marijuana is legal in California, will that fact impact the number of marijuana-impaired driving accidents in the state? Two studies last year may shed some light on how legalized marijuana use impacts the number of accidents caused by drug-impaired drivers.

No Increase in Fatalities Caused by Marijuana-Impaired Drivers

One study published in the American Journal of Public Health studied the fatality rates in crashes from 2009 through 2015 in Colorado and Washington. Both states have legalized recreational marijuana. The researchers compared fatality crash information from both states to eight other states that had not legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. After reviewing all the information, researchers for the study concluded that there was not a statistical increase in crash fatalities in either Washington or Colorado compared to the states in the study during the three years after marijuana was legalized.

A Slight Increase in Accident Rates

However, another study reviewed the crash reports in three states where marijuana is legal for recreational use. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) examined the data from January 2012 through October 2016 to determine if the number of crashes increased more than expected in states that had legalized marijuana for recreational use. When compared to crash rates from other states, the study found that the number of accidents was slightly higher than the anticipated number of accidents in these states.

Is Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Still Illegal in California?

Yes, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal in California. If you are impaired by any dry, including marijuana, you can be arrested for drugged driving. A conviction for drugged driving can have severe penalties, including jail time, suspended license, fines, and other punishments. If you cause a marijuana-impaired driving accident, you could face even stiffer penalties, in addition to civil liability for damages.

Receiving Compensation from a Drugged Driver

When a drugged driver causes a car accident, that driver can face criminal and civil penalties. In other words, in addition to the criminal punishments, the driver can be held liable for any damages caused by the crash. For example, if a drugged driver injures you, you might receive money for your injuries, including the cost of medical treatment, physical pain, loss of income, and emotional suffering. You can also recover compensation for the damage to your vehicle.

However, you must prove that the drugged driver caused the crash. Even though a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, that does not automatically mean that the driver caused the crash. If you were 100 percent responsible for the cause of the crash, you could not recover any money from the other driver, even if that driver was impaired by marijuana or another drug.

Therefore, it is very important to work with an attorney who can investigate the cause of the crash and obtain evidence to prove the other driver was at fault for the crash. Our Sacramento marijuana-impaired accident attorneys are ready to fight for your right to receive a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.

Sacramento Drugged Driving Attorneys

Do not wait too long to contact an accident attorney. Your time to file a claim is limited by law. To discuss your case, call Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to schedule a free consultation.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
Quote

From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
Quote

It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
Quote

I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
Quote

Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
Quote

I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.