Does Driving High Cause Car Accidents?

Steven A. Bagen | September 9, 2024 | Car Accidents

Driving under the influence of drugs, particularly marijuana, is a complex issue when it comes to assessing its impact on car accidents. While there’s no doubt that driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of accidents, the same level of certainty does not yet exist for driving high. The effects of marijuana on driving performance are still being studied and debated.

If you’ve suffered an injury in a wreck with a motorist who was driving high, please don’t hesitate to contact a Gainesville car accident lawyer immediately. They can work to collect proof showing the at-fault driver was impaired and pursue compensation from their insurance company. An attorney can handle all of your case’s legal complications so you can concentrate on healing physically and emotionally.

The Effects of Marijuana on Driving Performance

Research indicates that nearly 80 million Americans say they’ve used marijuana at some point in their life. With the legalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes in many states, its use has become more prevalent. This prevalence has raised concerns about the potential impact of driving under the influence of marijuana.

The active chemical in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the drug. When THC enters the bloodstream, it affects the brain, leading to altered perception, coordination, and reaction time.

What Does the Science Say?

Researchers have conducted numerous studies to assess the effects of marijuana on driving performance. One such study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that marijuana impairs driving-related skills, such as tracking, motor coordination, and reaction time. The study also found that the risk of a car accident increases significantly for drivers who have consumed marijuana.

The effects of marijuana on driving performance can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the dose and potency of marijuana consumed, the frequency of use, and an individual’s tolerance to the drug. In addition, marijuana affects individuals differently, and the extent of impairment can vary from person to person.

While some individuals may believe that they can still drive safely under the influence of marijuana, it’s essential to understand that even small doses of THC can impair driving abilities. The effects of marijuana on driving performance can result in delayed reaction times, difficulty maintaining lane position, impaired judgment, and decreased attention to the road. These impairments can significantly increase the risk of car accidents, endangering the driver and other innocent individuals on the road.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Considering the potential dangers associated with driving under the influence of marijuana, victims of car accidents caused by someone driving while high must seek legal assistance.

If you’re in this situation, please don’t hesitate to hire an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer will understand the complexities of the law and advocate for your rights. Taking legal action can help you seek the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent actions.

The Implications of Marijuana Legalization

The legalization of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes in several states has sparked discussions and concerns about the potential increase in impaired driving incidents. As a victim of a car accident caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana, you should understand the potential implications of this legalization.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, there has been an increase in the number of fatalities involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana in states that have legalized the drug. However, it’s critical to remember that correlation doesn’t imply causation. Further research must occur to determine the direct link between marijuana use and car accidents.

Why Linking Marijuana Use to Car Accidents is Challenging

One of the difficulties in assessing the impact of marijuana on car accidents is the lack of a reliable roadside test to determine impairment levels. Unlike alcohol, where a breathalyzer test can provide an objective measure of blood alcohol concentration, there is currently no equivalent test for marijuana impairment. This makes it difficult for law enforcement officers to accurately determine whether a driver is impaired by marijuana at the time of a traffic stop.

The absence of a definitive test for marijuana impairment raises questions about the fairness of legal systems in cases involving accidents caused by drivers under the influence of marijuana. As a victim, you may face challenges in proving the impairment of the driver who caused your accident. That’s why it’s essential to seek legal representation.

Remember, as a victim of a car accident caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, subpoena necessary records, and build a strong case on your behalf. They’ll do all they can to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Types of Car Accidents Caused By Driving While High

Driving under the influence is a serious offense that puts everyone on the road at risk. While alcohol is often the substance most people associate with impaired driving, marijuana use can also have significant effects on a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

These are a few different types of accidents that can occur when someone drives while high.

• Rear-end collisions: Marijuana use can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it more difficult to maintain a safe following distance and stop in time to avoid a collision. The impaired driver may fail to notice when the car in front of them has stopped.
• Head-on collisions: The impairing effects of marijuana can make it difficult for a driver to maintain their lane and stay alert to oncoming traffic. This can result in the driver crossing into oncoming lanes and colliding head-on with another vehicle, leading to horrible injuries and fatalities.
• Intersection accidents: Driving through intersections requires careful attention and judgment, especially when other vehicles are present. However, marijuana can impair a driver’s ability to gauge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of intersection accidents. These accidents can occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light due to impaired judgment and delayed reaction time.
• Sideswipe accidents: Motorists who drive while high may have difficulty maintaining their lane, leading to sideswipe accidents. These accidents occur when one vehicle grazes or swipes against the side of another vehicle while changing lanes or merging. Marijuana can impair a driver’s coordination and spatial awareness, making it challenging to navigate traffic safely.
• Single-vehicle accidents: Impaired drivers often lose control of their vehicles and are involved in single-vehicle accidents. Marijuana can lead to reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, abrupt lane changes, and failure to navigate curves properly. These actions can result in the driver losing control of their vehicle and crashing into objects such as guardrails, trees, or utility poles.

Other Factors Leading to Car Accidents Due to Driving While High

While many still debate the effects of marijuana on driving performance, one thing to consider is how other factors contribute to car accidents.

Age, for example, plays a significant role in accident risk. Young drivers, especially those under 25, are more likely to be involved in car accidents due to their inexperience and higher risk-taking behavior. The use of other substances, such as alcohol, can further increase the risk of accidents.

It’s also worth noting that people will often use marijuana in conjunction with alcohol. The combination can profoundly affect driving performance, increasing the risk of accidents. A study published in the journal Addiction found that the risk of a car accident is significantly higher for drivers who have consumed both alcohol and marijuana compared to those who have only consumed one substance.

Comparing Driving While High to Drunk Driving

Driving while high and driving while drunk both impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, but they do so in different ways. Alcohol typically affects motor skills, reaction time, and judgment, often leading to more aggressive or reckless driving behaviors. Drunk drivers may experience blurred vision, slower reaction times, and difficulty maintaining proper lane positions, making them a significant risk on the road.

On the other hand, driving while high, particularly under the influence of marijuana, can lead to slower reaction times, impaired coordination, and altered perception of time and space. While some studies suggest that marijuana users might drive more cautiously than drunk drivers, the impairment still poses grave dangers. High drivers may struggle with staying focused, responding to sudden changes in traffic, and making quick decisions.

Both types of impairment increase the likelihood of accidents and are illegal. While the substances may affect the brain differently, the end result is the same: a reduced ability to drive safely. Both driving while high and driving while drunk can have deadly consequences, not only for the driver but also for others on the road.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Prove the At-Fault Driver Caused the Accident

Car accidents caused by drivers under the influence of marijuana can have devastating consequences. If you’re a victim of such an accident, please take immediate action and seek legal representation. A car accident lawyer will have the resources, experience, and skills to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions and pursue the compensation you deserve. The following are just a few ways your attorney can help you achieve justice.

Investigating the Accident

A car accident attorney’s first step is to investigate the accident thoroughly. They gather all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and footage from surveillance cameras near the accident scene. Your lawyer will also examine the scene for additional evidence that may help establish the at-fault driver’s responsibility.

Building a Strong Case

Once the attorney collects all the necessary evidence, they’ll work to build the strongest case possible. Your car accident lawyer will analyze the evidence and identify key factors that prove the at-fault driver’s negligence. This process may include demonstrating that the driver was impaired by marijuana at the time of the accident through blood or urine tests or by obtaining witness statements that indicate the driver was showing signs of impairment.

The attorney will also assess the damages you’ve suffered from the accident. These damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses. By quantifying these damages, your lawyer can accurately determine the compensation you should seek in your claim.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Car accident attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. They understand the tactics insurance adjusters use to deny injury victims their rightful compensation. More importantly, skilled lawyers know how to overcome those tactics. A dedicated lawyer will work tirelessly to make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.

When negotiating with insurance companies, your attorney will present all the evidence gathered during the investigation to support your claim. They’ll assertively advocate for your rights and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Representing Your Interests in Court

In some cases, taking your claim to court may be necessary. If the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your car accident attorney will diligently prepare your case for trial. They’ll gather expert witnesses, review medical records and other relevant documents, and present a compelling argument before a judge or jury.

Having a skilled attorney by your side during the litigation process is crucial. They’ll guide you through the court system’s complexities and ensure the court hears your voice. They aim to obtain a favorable verdict or settlement that provides the financial resources needed to recover and move forward with your life.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident caused by someone driving while high, please speak with a Gainesville Personal Injury lawyer immediately. The earlier you get legal help, the better the chances your attorney can obtain evidence to help you win your case.

Protect your rights and seek justice for your injuries. Contact a car accident attorney as soon as you can.