Across the country, the use of recreational marijuana has become legal in many states for those who are 21 and older. However, marijuana possession is still illegal under federal law and in the state of Texas, meaning it is against the law for anyone to possess marijuana for recreational use.
It is illegal to possess marijuana in Texas and to drive under the influence of the drug. No matter the legal status, it remains illegal to drive under the influence in any state. In states where marijuana has been made legal, many drivers are facing charges due to driving under the influence of the drug, and just like drinking and driving, many still choose to disobey DUI laws regarding marijuana.
Navigating these kinds of cases can be tricky. That is why you need a qualified Houston DUI accident attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD to help you with the personal injury claim process after being injured by an intoxicated driver.
How Marijuana Impairs Driving Ability
Like many other intoxicants, the effects a drug can have on an individual can vary tremendously. Generally, the effects of marijuana include:
- Relaxation
- Disorientation
- Euphoria
- Altered time and space perception
- Paranoia
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate
- Image distortion
These can all have an effect on the ability to drive, and marijuana can impair judgment, reaction time, and motor coordination. These are all necessary for operating a motor vehicle.
There has been increased interest in the impact of marijuana on driving, prompting multiple studies on the topic. According to findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is no hard evidence connecting marijuana use and deadly accidents. A board-certified DWI lawyer can analyze these studies in order to cross-examine the expert witness to show that no impairment related to marijuana inhalation or ingestion.
However, a study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that marijuana is the illegal drug most typically found in the systems of drivers involved in car accidents, including fatal crashes.
If you were injured by a drugged driver, contact West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD to meet with a Houston car accident lawyer.
Driving while High Is Negligence
When someone drives high, it is negligence — pure and simple. A loaded driver will not be as careful as they should, and if you are hit by a driver who is high on marijuana, you will likely have a solid case that the other driver acted negligently.
You and your attorney are required to show that the actions of the driver contributed to your injuries. If you are injured in an accident caused by a high driver, there must be a link between the intoxication of the driver and the resulting crash. If the at-fault driver was high, that can be used as evidence that the drug use contributed to the collision. Even if you share partial blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover some compensation for your damages.
You Deserve Full Compensation for Your Damages
If you are hit by a driver under the influence of marijuana, you are entitled to damages available in any Texas negligence case. These damages could include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Physical therapy aids
- Expenses for help at the home
You may be able to obtain additional financial recovery in order to be fully compensated for any physical suffering or emotional anguish. The Texas civil court system is meant to compensate you for your damages, even if you are the victim of the negligent behavior of a stoned driver.
Houston DUI Accident Attorneys
Texas has a lot to be proud of, from our hospitality to our great food, but the state has a severe drunk driving problem. There were 24,617 DUI crashes reported across the state in 2019. Harris County had the fourth-highest number of drunk driving accidents in the state, with 3,603 reported collisions.
If you have been injured in a DWI accident, we know you want to get back on with your life and make a full recovery. The team of personal injury lawyers in Houston at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD are here to help. Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD have experience handling an array of injury claims, and we want to put our years of experience to work on your case.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a Houston car accident, contact our offices today at (713) 840-7200 to discuss your case.
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