Research Study Identifies Connection with Legal Marijuana Use and Increase in Fatal Car Accidents

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Injured By A Drugged Driver?

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that fatal car accidents associated with marijuana use have more than doubled since the legalization of the drug in 2012. The study identified that the full impact of legalized marijuana took about nine months to translate to statistics in the state. Although there were 49 drivers with marijuana in their system at the time of a car crash in 2013, that number jumped to more than 100 in 2014.

This represents a total of 17% of all fatal accidents and some of these drivers had other drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of the accident as well. To compare nationwide with other common factors associated with personal injury claims, approximately one-third of all car related deaths across the country in 2014 were linked to individuals under the influence of alcohol, according to research collected by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Do You Believe The Other Driver Was Impaired By Marijuana?

If you believe that marijuana use impacted a driver who recently caused an accident with you, this individual may be facing criminal charges as well as civil implications for his or her behavior. Drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs is against the law and can lead to significant injuries and even fatalities for others on the road. Any kind of negligence, including using marijuana or other drugs, could be the primary factor causing a big accident.

Injured By An Impaired Driver? Talk To An Attorney

If you think that drugs or alcohol played a role in a car accident in which you sustained injuries, an Erie, Pennsylvania car accident attorney can help you figure out your next steps. Contacting an experienced PA accident attorney with a proven track record should never be minimized as it could have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Do not hesitate to reach out to The Travis Law Firm to learn more. With a limited period of time in which you have to file a claim, getting your questions answered from our proven accident attorneys can help you determine whether or not you want to move forward with a legal claim for compensation. Get your free consultation today.