Why a Driver with High THC Levels May Be Liable for Your North County Car Accident Injuries

For years, marijuana has been legal to use recreationally in Escondido and throughout California. Just because it is legal, similar to alcohol for adults aged 21 and older, does not mean that it is necessarily safe to drive during or after using it. Indeed, many people who use THC products can become impaired and may not be able to drive safely. When a motorist has been using marijuana or other THC-containing products and decides to drive, if that motorist causes an accident due to impairment and drugged driving, they can be liable for any injuries they cause to other occupants of their vehicle, motorists involved in the collision, and pedestrians or bicyclists involved in the crash. Our Escondido personal injury lawyer can tell you more.

New Study Shows a High Rate of THC in Fatal Car Accidents

While California does not have a “per se” amount or limit of THC in a person’s system that is illegal for driving, being impaired by THC can render a motorist liable for injuries in a crash. And THC impairment is more common than you might think.

A recent study published by the American College of Surgeons reveals that more than 40 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a THC-impaired driver who recently used a cannabis product. The study emphasizes that, while cannabis may be shown to have certain benefits to users in some circumstances, it remains dangerous to drive while under the influence of a THC-containing product.

Seeking Damages from a Driver Under the Influence of THC

To be clear, in California, recreational marijuana use and cannabis possession are lawful, but it is not legal to drive if you are impaired by cannabis or a THC-containing product.

Under California law, if a driver who was under the influence of THC or any other drug caused a crash in which you were injured, you may be able to seek compensatory damages from that driver by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Damages can include two types of compensatory damages: economic damages (which compensate you for direct, economic losses such as your medical bills or your lost wages), and non-economic damages (which can compensate you for indirect and subjective losses, such as your pain and suffering).

Contact Our Escondido Personal Injury Attorneys for Assistance with Your Car Accident Claim

Were you injured in a collision caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana? Although marijuana is legal for recreational use in California, as we discussed above, that does not mean that a driver can get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while they are impaired. A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even if they initially used those drugs or alcohol legally, can be liable for the harm they have caused. You may be eligible to receive a range of damages to help compensate you for your losses, and one of our experienced Escondido personal injury lawyers can assist you with your case. Contact North Count Injury Lawyers today to begin working with our firm on your auto accident claim.