Injured in a Car Accident Where the Other Driver Was Smoking Marijuana in Jackson, Mississippi?

Smoking or using marijuana and getting behind the wheel is illegal across the country. Drivers found guilty of smoking or using marijuana and driving can face jail time, fines, and the loss of their driver’s license. In Mississippi, marijuana possession and sale is illegal as well. Despite this, more drivers are reporting having used marijuana before driving, and marijuana is suspected as a cause of many accidents across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 12 million people admitted to driving while under the influence of marijuana in 2018 alone. Unfortunately, unlike drunk driving enforcement where police officers have blood or breath tests that they can use to determine if a person was drinking and driving before a crash, there is no simple roadside test that officers can administer to determine if a person was under the influence of marijuana. While blood tests can record whether a person has THC in their system, THC can remain in a person’s system long after its effects are felt. In fact, among heavy marijuana users, THC can be detected in a person’s blood as long as a month after use. This makes it difficult for officers to use testing to determine if a person was under the influence. However, there are other strategies officers can use to determine whether a person had been drinking and driving. Police can look at a person’s behavior, look inside a vehicle to see if there is marijuana paraphernalia, and use roadside sobriety tests to determine if a person exhibits signs of impairment. While this evidence is largely circumstantial, if officers find substantial evidence that a person might have been smoking before driving, criminal charges could be made. If you or someone you love was hurt in a car accident because another driver was using marijuana, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. Malouf & Malouf, PLLC is a personal injury law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that can help you negotiate with insurance adjusters and negligent parties. If the other driver in your accident was charged with driving while under the influence, you may have the right to bring forth a claim. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Malouf & Malouf, PLLC today to learn more. Dangers of Driving and Marijuana Use There hasn’t been much research done on the dangers of driving while under the influence of marijuana. It can be very difficult for scientists to get accurate statistics about the risks because there is no test that officers or scientists can administer after an accident to determine if a person was under the influence of marijuana. Basically, studies are reliant on self-reports. But, what do we know about marijuana use? We know that marijuana can release dopamine, which can leave people feeling relaxed and euphoric. Marijuana can also affect a person’s sense of time, impact a person’s motor skills (which can impact your ability to drive a vehicle), and also lower your inhibitions. Being too relaxed can mean a person might be driving while tired or may be more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. Ability to gauge distance and sense of time is important when driving. All of these impacts could potentially create a dangerous situation while someone is driving. This is why driving after using marijuana is illegal. If you believe your car accident was the result of another person’s decision to use marijuana, you may have certain rights under the law. Police might charge the person with driving while under the influence. Victims and their families might be entitled to seek damages for their injuries and other losses. Have questions about your rights? Reach out to Malouf & Malouf, PLLC, a personal injury law firm in Jackson, Mississippi today to learn more. Do I Have a Marijuana Car Accident Claim in Jackson, Mississippi? You may have the right to make a marijuana car accident claim in Jackson, Mississippi if the other driver was under the influence of marijuana when driving. Sometimes individuals get charged with driving while under the influence, which could make it easier for families and victims to make a personal injury claim. Other times, your personal injury lawyer may be able to investigate your accident, speak to witnesses, and identify responsible parties and stakeholders. Have questions about your rights? Malouf & Malouf, PLLC is a personal injury law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that offers new clients a free initial consultation during which we can review your case. If you have a claim, we can assist you with the next steps. You may only have a limited amount of time to pursue your case. USAttorneys.com can connect you with Malouf & Malouf, PLLC today.