Drugged driver causes deadly highway crash

By |2022-01-06T18:48:58+00:00November 21st, 2019|

While federal and state laws conflict when it comes to the lawful use and possession of marijuana in California, drivers in the state should be aware that, like alcohol, marijuana can affect one’s ability to drive. This was evidenced by one recent case. There, a deadly car accident occurred on a state highway that left one victim dead and a driver arrested for causing the preventable tragedy.

The victim, a 20-year-old man, crashed into a concrete divide on Highway 180 and the incident disabled his vehicle. When it came to a stop on the highway, the man got out of his car. While outside of his vehicle, another vehicle driven by a 23-year-old woman collided with him and his car. The impact of the secondary crash killed the man.

Investigators discovered that the driver of the second vehicle was under the influence of marijuana when she hit the victim and his disabled vehicle. She was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and other crimes. Law enforcement officials are educated on how to tell whether drivers are affected by drugs and alcohol and how to recognize the difference between the different types of impairment.

The loved ones of the victim in this story will never again enjoy his company and will never witness the accomplishments he was set to achieve in his life. The potential criminal liability of the responsible driver, however, may not preclude them from seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one. Wrongful death claims based on personal injury events like car accidents can often serve as the grounds for the recovery of victims’ damages.

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About the Author:

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Doug Easton has practiced law since 1971. After 20 years of practicing with various large litigation firms, he founded the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton in 1991 as a solo practitioner. In the years that followed, Doug’s sons Brian and Matt joined him in the practice and helped build the firm into a powerful force to help right the wrongs done to their clients. Much of their success over the years has stemmed from the dynamic created by the familial nature of the firm and how harmoniously they all work together, each of their individual strengths complementing and fortifying the group as a whole. Accordingly, the firm changed its name to Easton & Easton, LLP in 2014 to better reflect the true dynamic of the firm and Doug now serves as Managing Partner of Easton & Easton. In 2015, Doug was selected as a Top 100 Litigation Lawyer in California by The American Society of Legal Advocates. In addition, Doug is listed in Strathmore’s Who’s Who, and in 2008 was named its “Professional of the Year” in Medical Malpractice.
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