Data suggests that the legalization of marijuana in Missouri will increase the rate of drugged driving accidents. While the legalization of cannabis is still a relatively new phenomenon in Missouri, states like Colorado and Washington adopted recreational use a decade prior. These and other early-adopting states allow us to have reliable data about legalization’s effect on traffic safety.
The data tells a clear story: Legalizing cannabis increases both fatal and non-fatal auto accidents. Driving while under the influence of marijuana is also illegal. If you or a loved one were in an accident and you suspect a drugged driver is at fault, hire a St. Louise, MO, drunk driving accident attorney who also deals in drugged driving accident to hold that drugged driver accountable.
What the Data Says About Legalized Cannabis and Accident Rates (in Missouri and Elsewhere)
The legalization of marijuana in Missouri is still relatively fresh. It was only in a recent year that Missouri law made it legal for Missourians (and visitors) to possess a certain amount of cannabis. Today, a purchaser needs only a valid, government-issued identification to purchase marijuana at dispensaries throughout the state.
There is relatively little data about legalization’s effects on traffic safety in Missouri. There are many studies and statistics about legalization and traffic safety in general, though. This data tells us that:
- Per one study, the legalization of cannabis was linked to a 2.3 percent increase in fatal accidents and a 6.5 percent increase in crashes resulting in injury (with data coming from multiple states)
- According to the same study, injury crash rates increased by as much as 18 percent following legalization in certain states
- Another analysis found that certain demographics, including young males, are especially likely to cause accidents while under the influence of marijuana
- That same analysis suggested that impairment by marijuana, combined with alcohol consumption, is a notable phenomenon in states that legalize cannabis
- One more study found that markets with legalized recreational marijuana use saw a 10 percent increase in fatal traffic deaths (with researchers concluding that legalization was a relevant factor in the increased fatalities)
The numbers can not be any more clear. Drugged driving is dangerous, and there is a clear link between legalization and rising accident rates. This fact is of particular importance to those in Missouri who may not be at a heightened risk of being injured in an accident involving a drugged driver.
Explanations for Why Legalizing Marijuana May Increase Accident Rates
While the data are insightful, it only takes common sense to see that legalization would increase rates of drugged driving—and, naturally, increase the risk of accidents.
Some of the possible explanations for why legalization leads to traffic accidents are:
Increasing Potency of Marijuana
The potency of marijuana has increased considerably in recent years, at the same time when the same marijuana has become increasingly legal and easily accessible. Some of the issues with stronger cannabis are:
- Users’ false assumption that the marijuana they purchase today will have the same effect as marijuana they purchased in years past
- The noted side effects of this stronger cannabis include “impairments in memory and attention, greater inclination for risk-taking, and diminished capacity to drive.”
- A higher risk that the consumer will become impaired more quickly, which is particularly hazardous when that consumer chooses to drive
It’s common knowledge that marijuana sold in Missouri dispensaries is far stronger than what Americans might have consumed in the 60s or 70s. The truth is that this cannabis has become increasingly more potent with each passing year, meaning today’s strains may be significantly more impairing than even the cannabis of a few years ago.
A Higher Number of Drugged Motorists
Observers have noted that “frequent marijuana use” is “more common” in states where the drug is legalized. If people are using marijuana more frequently, it stands to reason that:
- In states where marijuana is legalized, users are more likely to be under the influence at any given time
- If users are more likely to be under the influence at any given time, there is a higher likelihood that they will drive under the influence
There is also the sense that if cannabis is legal under local law, the drug can not be particularly harmful. This line of thinking can lead some to drive while high, putting others at risk.
The Proven Impairment of Those Who Consume Cannabis Before (or While) Driving
We can accept that there is likely a higher rate of drug-impaired drivers in states where marijuana is legal. We should now discuss why that is such a problem.
Some of the most notable ways that marijuana impairs a driver are:
- Affecting their decision-making
- Slowing their reaction time
- Impeding their ability to judge distances accurately
Marijuana may also make a driver more tired and can even affect their coordination. A driver’s ability to operate safely may go up in smoke the moment they consume cannabis.
Potential Severe Mental Health Problems Among Cannabis Users
It’s not just the acute effects of cannabis that can make dangerous drivers. The long-term use of the drug may trigger psychological conditions that affect one’s ability to drive safely—or even take basic care of themselves. Schizophrenia and psychosis have been linked to marijuana use.
As you can see, there is ample reason for concern among motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other potential victims of drugged drivers in Missouri.
What Legalization in Missouri (and Drugged Driving) Means for You
We don’t want to provide you with statistics without accompanying advice. Awareness of the problem is of no value without a plan of action.
In light of the noted risks that legalization creates, you might:
- Be aware that motorists may be impaired: Simply knowing that there may be more impaired drivers around you can be helpful. You may drive especially defensively, for one. That said, even the most cautious driver may be unable to avoid a collision with a drugged driver.
- Look for signs of impairment if another driver hits you: If a motorist causes an accident and has bloodshot eyes, smells of marijuana, or shows other signs that can indicate impairment, do not ignore the signs.
- Call law enforcement right away after an accident: You should call law enforcement after any accident. If a motorist shows possible signs of impairment, it’s especially important that you call a police officer to the scene. A drugged driver is a dangerous driver, and they should be held accountable if they’ve put your life in danger—plus, an officer’s report may be vital evidence in your case.
- Be ready to call an attorney immediately after the accident: Every traffic accident victim should proactively fight for a fair financial recovery. When you hire an attorney immediately after your accident, you will set the wheels of justice in motion.
A lawyer will take care of you. They will oversee any insurance claims and lawsuits you pursue, and they will also work with law enforcement if the drugged driver faces criminal charges.
A Missouri Drugged Driving Accident Attorney Will Pursue Fair Compensation for You
Once you hire your drugged driving accident lawyer, they will immediately begin working for you. A typical case like yours requires an attorney to:
- Lead communications on your behalf: No matter the nature of your injuries, you deserve the space to rest and recover after a drugged driver injures you. Your personal injury attorney will immediately take over all case-related communications so you can heal.
- Investigate the at-fault driver’s impairment: The at-fault motorist’s impairment will be relevant to your case. Your attorney will work with law enforcement officers, conduct their investigation, and secure all proof of the driver’s impairment.
- Prove how the collision happened: A driver being under the influence of drugs is important, but it doesn’t explain exactly how the collision occurred. Your lawyer will obtain all relevant video, witness testimony, and other evidence showing exactly how vehicles collided—and what the at-fault driver did to cause the collision.
- Document your damages: Your lawyer will secure all medical bills, experts’ evaluations of your pain and suffering, financial receipts and bank statements, and other documentation of your accident-related damages. This documentation will be a critically important feature of your case.
- Determine your case value: Calculating the cost of a traffic accident can be a tall task, especially when the victim experiences pain and suffering. Attorneys use a systematic approach to determine their clients’ case values. This professional approach is critical, as there’s no room for error when pursuing a financial recovery.
- Pursue a fair settlement: Your lawyer will create a personalized strategy for your case. The sole purpose of that strategy will be to secure fair compensation. Attorneys often convince insurance companies to pay their clients a fair settlement, and a settlement may be the first option in your lawyer’s case strategy.
- File a lawsuit (if you choose to): There are a few possible reasons to file a lawsuit. If insurance companies handle your claim in bad faith, taking legal action may be the next step in your lawyer’s strategy.
- Go to court (if your lawyer does not secure a fair settlement offer in advance of trial): If you and your legal team choose to file a lawsuit, your lawyer may still fight for a settlement. If liable parties continue to stonewall your lawyer’s demands, going to court may be the next step in your attorney’s case strategy.
Allow your attorney to deal with strategy as well as execution. This is what experienced auto accident lawyers do, and fighting for you will be like second nature to a capable attorney. All you have to do is rest, recover, and follow your lawyer’s advice.
Hiring a Lawyer Means Hiring an Entire Team to Fight for You
As is the case in any field, teamwork is an asset in the legal field. This is why attorneys don’t fight for their clients on their own. Most personal injury lawyers get assistance from:
- Paralegals, who have a wide range of valuable skills that include drafting documents, communicating with the courts, and communicating with clients
- Experts, who don’t work for law firms, but the law firm pays them to provide valuable insights and services related to drugged driving accidents
- Case managers, who play a critical role in ensuring cases progress smoothly and clients are satisfied with their legal service
- Support staff, who enable lawyers to focus on the most critical legal tasks
You will not have to pay extra for the non-lawyer team members who contribute to your case. These priceless resources are baked into a lawyer’s fee. As you can see, hiring a lawyer gets you more than you bargained for—in the best sense of the phrase.
Drugged Drivers Can Impose a High Cost on Their Victims
As soon as you retain your lawyer, they’re going to investigate the damages you’ve suffered because of a drugged driver’s negligence. Your damage profile may look similar to many other accident victims, who often suffer from:
Medical Bills (Which Are Generally Expensive)
Anyone who has received medical care knows to brace for the bill. Medical services are costly by nature, and there’s not a discount for auto accident victims.
Your lawyer will demand compensation to cover all medical bills you face in the aftermath of the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Lawyers can determine the financial cost of damages that don’t have an obvious cost. Pain and suffering is the prime example of non-economic damage, which can include:
- Emotional anguish
- Psychological distress
- Physical pain
- Disfigurement
- Lost quality of life
Your attorney may have a mental health professional document all the pain and suffering resulting from your collision.
Lost Earnings and Other Professional Harm
If you suffer any professional consequences as a result of your accident, your lawyer will pursue fair compensation for those damages.
Property Expenses
Your lawyer will also include vehicle repair costs and all other property-related expenses in their demand letter.
Hire Your Drugged Driving Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Whether you are recovering, disabled, mourning the loss of a loved one, or in another stage of healing, hiring a personal injury lawyer should be a priority. You can complete free consultations to get to know prospective law firms, so don’t wait.
