Los Angeles High or Drugged Driving Accident Lawyer

Driving high is illegal in the state of California. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), it is unlawful for anyone under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle. Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is an act of recklessness that will make the driver liable for damages in the event he or she causes an auto accident. If you find yourself the victim of a high or drugged driving accident in Los Angeles, contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for legal counsel.

High Driving Accidents – A Growing Concern In L.A.

With the passing of Prop 64 in California, the recreational use of marijuana became legal as of November 9, 2017. However just like with alcohol or prescription medication, it is illegal to consume or be under the influence of marijuana while operating a vehicle.
The use of marijuana can affect your judgement on the road, and it has been shown to seriously reduce the user’s reaction time, memory, balance and coordination. The ability to recognize time and or speed can also be hindered. All of these senses are important to use and therefore required by California state law in order to safely operate a motor vehicle.

As with alcohol, the symptoms increase with the amount consumed, and the lasting affects of Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, can be the strongest within the first hour of consumption. This is the most dangerous time for a person to get behind the wheel.

What are Statistics for Drug Driving Accident In Los Angeles?

Los Angeles leads the state of California in the total number of reported vehicle collisions that involved a driver under the influence of drugs. In Los Angeles County alone, there were a total of 1,803 recorded collisions with 724 people injured and 217 people killed between the years of 2010 through 2016.

What Cities in Los Angeles County had the most Drug-related DUI collisions?

According to the California Highway Patrol, here are the 10 cities in L.A. County with the highest numbers of drug-related accidents from 2010-2016:

1. Long Beach – 183 Collisions, 66 Injuries, 30 Deaths
2. Glendale – 131 Collisions, 26 Injuries, 3 Deaths
3. Santa Clarita – 115 Collisions, 35 Injuries, 9 Deaths
4. Santa Monica – 115 Collisions, 29 Injuries, 4 Deaths
5. Palmdale – 92 Collisions, 38 Injuries, 12 Deaths
6. Lancaster – 87 Collisions, 25 Injuries, 18 Deaths
7. Pomona – 81 Collisions, 20 Injuries, 20 Deaths
8. Pasadena – 77 Collisions, 27 Injuries, 9 Deaths
9. Burbank – 64 Collisions, 16 Injuries, 5 Deaths
10. Downey – 62 Collisions, 27 Injuries, 6 Deaths

How Do They Prove Drugged Driving in LA?

Victims involved in car accidents with a driver who appears high or otherwise under the influence of drugs (even prescription, over-the-counter drugs, or legal marijuana) need to know how to prove the drugged driver’s fault. California is a tort auto insurance state, meaning all parties involved must identify the at-fault party to seek damages. The insurance company of the at-fault driver will be responsible for reparations. Talk to an attorney to build your case against an alleged drugged driver in LA. Consider the following when preparing:

#1. Notice the driver’s actions.

The driver who struck you might be high or drugged if he/she was drifting between lanes, driving the wrong way, speeding, running a red light, or otherwise driving recklessly. Look for other signs such as slurred speech, red eyes, or the smell of marijuana.

#2. Call 911.

Report your accident to the police at the scene. Request an ambulance if necessary. Don’t admit fault. Give your side of the story to the officer and take down the accident report number. The police will test the other driver for drugs if there is probable cause to believe he or she is under the influence.

#3. Use drug tests as proof.

The police will order the driver to submit to chemical, blood, or urine tests to find out if he or she was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. If the driver refuses these tests, this refusal could work as proof that he or she was high. Otherwise, the results of the tests can serve as evidence.

Hiring one of our Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorneys can make proving someone else’s fault simple. We’ll take care of evidence gathering and the crash investigation while you take care of your injuries. We have years of experience handling drunk and drugged driver accidents throughout the LA area and know how to handle these cases. Our lawyers will work around the clock to build a strong case against the intoxicated driver.

Why You Need an Attorney?

Car accidents with drunk or drugged drivers can easily be catastrophic. These reckless drivers are often speeding well above the posted limit and may not hit their brakes before impact if they are drowsy, asleep, or not paying attention. Collisions with drugged drivers can cause lifelong injuries such as brain or spinal cord damage, as well as severe burns and disabilities. You need an attorney if this is the case. Our lawyers have the aggressive litigation skills you need to fight for compensation for damages such as:

• Past and future medical costs
• Costs of a disability
• Lost wages
• Lost earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Loss of consortium

Los Angeles Drugged Driving Accident Attorneys

Whether you suffered a serious injury or lost someone you love in a drugged driving accident in LA, contact our attorneys. We know many Californians are taking advantage of the legalization of marijuana to drive high, and we are here to help crash victims take a stand. If you believe the driver who caused your recent wreck was under the influence of any type of substance, retain our trial attorneys. Call (310) 928-6200 to schedule a free consultation with lawyers who get real results.