Across the United States, more and more states are opting to legalize marijuana. New York recently joined these ranks when they legalized the drug for recreational use on March 31, 2021. While the legalization of recreational marijuana is said to have helped increase jobs and tax revenue in the state, it has also led to an increase in drivers illegally getting behind the wheel while under the influence of the drug. If you have been involved in an accident caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for your losses.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, our personal injury lawyers understand that the days following a car accident with a driver who was under the influence of marijuana can be stressful as you try to understand what your next steps should be. To ensure that you get the fair compensation you are owed for your injuries and losses, contact our team of trusted New York lawyers to help you build a strong claim.
Is It Legal to Drive Under the Influence of Marijuana in New York?
Despite the recreational use of marijuana being legalized in New York, it is still very much illegal to drive while high. Much like alcohol, the drug can severely impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. In fact, individuals who are caught driving while high may be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, or DWAI.
If you were injured in an accident involving someone driving under the influence of marijuana, you may be eligible to retain compensation by filing a personal injury claim. By filing a claim, you will not only be pursuing justice for your own losses, but you will also have a hand in ensuring that the person who caused your accident is held responsible for their negligent actions. To get help building your personal injury claim, contact a trusted New York lawyer as soon as possible.
How Can You Prove Liability in a Car Accident With a High Driver?
When a driver gets behind the wheel while under the influence of marijuana, their negligence can cause a serious accident that leaves victims with injuries and losses that affect their everyday life for months or years to come. To prove liability in your accident case, you must provide proof of the four elements of negligence. These elements are as follows:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- The at-fault party breached this duty of care
- The breach in duty of care led to your accident and injury
- You suffered a loss as a result
If you are unsure what evidence to collect to prove liability for your case, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. In addition to helping you build your case, a lawyer can help you calculate the compensation you may be owed for your losses and negotiate a fair settlement amount for your claim.
Retain the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident With a High Driver in New York
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, our personal injury lawyers dedicate themselves to helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve after being injured in an accident with a high driver in New York. Our goal is to provide you with the support, guidance, and legal expertise necessary for your case to succeed.
To get help with your personal injury claim, contact our New York firm today at 516-358-6900 or complete our contact form. You can also subscribe to our Cohen & Jaffe YouTube Channel to stay up to date on any laws that may impact your case.
