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California Auto Accident Claims Involving Marijuana

Marijuana in Envolving Paper California auto accident claims involving marijuana use by drivers is on the rise. The legalization of marijuana in California may result in an increase in auto accidents that are caused by impaired drivers who have smoked or ingested marijuana prior to driving. A recent study from the Highway Loss Data Institute demonstrated that there has been an increased number of car accident claims in Colorado, Oregon and Washington since recreational marijuana was legalized in that state. When people are involved in accidents with drivers who are under the influence of marijuana, they may be able to recover damages by filing personal injury civil lawsuits against the impaired drivers.

Insurance Study on Auto Accident Claims Involving Marijuana

The Highway Loss Data Institute looked at crash statistics in Washington, Oregon and Colorado from before recreational marijuana was legalized and afterward. Recreational marijuana was first legally sold in Colorado in Jan. 2014 and six months later in Washington. Oregon followed in Oct. 2015. According to the study, there was a 2.7 percent increase in reported auto accidents in the three states since the legalization of marijuana. A spokesperson for the institute stated that they believe that the crash rate increase has been caused by the increased availability of marijuana.

Critics of the study argue that it was flawed because it compared the three states with rural, farming states instead of to others with similarly large population centers and urban areas. The study compared claims in the three states to those in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. The researchers did control for a number of different factors in the control states and in the marijuana states, including the number of vehicles on the roads, ages of the drivers and others. While more research needs to be completed about the legalization of marijuana and its effect on auto accident rates, it is important for people to understand that driving while under the influence of marijuana may cause accidents and result in liability from personal injuries or deaths caused by such crashes.

Potential Damages for Persons Injured or Killed in California Auto Accidents

Drivers owe duties of care to other people who are traveling on the roads around them to exercise reasonable caution. Driving under the influence of any substance that can impair driving, including alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, is a type of negligence. When drivers are negligent and their negligence causes injury accidents, the injured victims may hold them accountable through civil lawsuits. There are multiple categories of damages that injured victims may recover in lawsuits involving drivers who are impaired by marijuana. The types and amounts of damages will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the individual cases.

Plaintiffs may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are those that compensate people for direct monetary losses. These include such things as the past and future expected medical expenses, the past and future income losses and property losses. Noneconomic damages include such things as the pain and suffering that the plaintiffs have experienced as a result of their injuries, disfigurement damages, reductions in the quality of life and others. Economic and noneconomic damages are meant to compensate plaintiffs so that they are made whole again following their accidents.

Punitive Damages for Auto Accident Involving Marijuana Impaired Driver

Punitive damages are another type of damages that might be available in egregious cases. Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases in order to deter both the defendants and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. When punitive damages are awarded, they are given on top of the compensatory damages in added amounts. Punitive damages are only granted in California when the defendants acted with malice. California Civil Code § 3294 indicates that an act of malice is necessary before punitive damages may be awarded. Malice is more than simple negligence and includes some willful behavior. In Taylor v. Superior Court, the Supreme Court of California held that a plaintiff who was injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver could include the possibility of punitive damages in the pleadings. That case involved a drunk driver who had prior drunk driving accidents and arrests and who was on bail for another drunk driving charge at the time of the accident. The court found that the driver’s behavior in driving drunk and causing the accident could be considered to be malice because of his prior knowledge and history of driving while drunk regardless of the danger that he posed to others.

It is possible that a driver who is impaired by marijuana could also be ordered to pay punitive damages. If the driver has a history of causing accidents while he or she is impaired, he or she may be ordered to pay punitive damages as well as compensatory damages to injured plaintiffs.

Contact an Attorney

People who are injured may want to talk to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney A lawyer may be able to gather evidence that the driver was impaired by alcohol or marijuana and seek the recovery of compensatory and punitive damages if they are warranted.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have known Steven for some time now and when his services were required he jumped in and took control of my cases. I had two and they were handled with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. He went the extra mile regardless of the bumps in the road. I can not see me using any other attorney and I would recommend him to any of my family and friends. Josie A.
★★★★★
Steven was vital during our most trying time. He was referred by a friend after an accident that involved a family member. While he was critical and lying in the hospital, Steven was kind, patient and knowledgeable about what we were going through. Following our loss, Steven became a tough and aggressive negotiator and made sure that we receive a huge compensation. I would refer Steven in fact, this happened 2 years ago and I still speak highly of his service. Cheryl S.
★★★★★
Mr. Sweat is a pitbull in the courtroom as well as settlement negotiations - You can't have a better equipped attorney in your corner! It is a pleasure working as colleagues together on numerous cases. He can get the job done. Jonathan K.
★★★★★
Because of Steven Sweat, my medical support was taken care of. Plus, I had more money to spare for my other bills. Steven is not only an excellent personal injury lawyer, providing the best legal advice, but also a professional lawyer who goes beyond his call of duty just to help his clients! He stood up for me and helped me get through the process. I would definitely recommend. I couldn't think of any better lawyer than him. MiraJane C.
★★★★★
I must tell anyone, if you need a great attorney, Steve sweat is the guy! I had an awful car accident and had no idea where to turn. He had so much to deal with because my accident was a 4 car pile up. Not to mention all the other cars were behind me and they were not wanting to settle in any way! He never stopped working for me and had my best interest at heart! Audra W.
★★★★★
I believe I made the best choice with Steven M Sweat, Personal Injury. I was very reluctant to go forward with my personal injury claim. I had a valid claim and I needed a professional attorney to handle it. I felt so much better when I let Steven take my case. His team did everything right and I am very satisfied. Stia P.
★★★★★
I have to say that Steve has been exemplary! I met Steve at a point with my case that I was ready to give up. He took the time and dealt with all of my concerns. Most importantly, he was present and listened to what I was going through. He was able to turn things around, put me and my case on the right track! The results were better that expected! Highly recommend!! Cody A.