Oklahoma City legalized medical marijuana in 2018, following the vote on State Question 788. Even though marijuana is legal, Oklahoma has a zero-tolerance policy for driving with any detectable amount of THC or metabolites in a driver’s system.
If your accident was caused by a driver found to be high on THC in Oklahoma City, then we can help. At Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law, we utilize every aspect of personal injury law to protect car accident victims’ rights to compensation, especially if they’ve been injured by a careless driver high on THC. Our firm understands how life-changing a vehicle accident can be, which is why our services include managing your medical treatment, negotiating with the insurance company, and building a strong case to win fair compensation on your behalf.
See what legal options are available to you by contacting us today for a free case review.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Caused by a Driver High on THC?
Drug-impaired accidents are usually considered DWIs and happen quite frequently in Oklahoma City. According to the National Highway of Traffic Safety, drug-related car accidents are up 31% since 2017, with THC consumption while driving being one of the leading causes of these accidents.
Oklahoma drivers are always at risk of a car accident if another driver is impaired by drug use and driving irresponsibly. And when a drug-related car accident does unfortunately happen, the end result typically results in serious physical and financial damages. On top of that, proving an accident was caused by THC use can become complicated very quickly.
For that reason, it is recommended to consult with the attorneys at Ylla Goseny. We’ll build a strong case on your behalf to get you financial compensation for the full extent of the following damages:
- Economic damages: The financial damages you incurred due to the accident.
- Medical bills
- Lost Wages
- Loss of future potential earnings
- Loss of property
- Cost of property repair or replacement
- Non-economic damages: These are subjective, non-compensatory damages.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages: These are damages awarded to serve as punishment to the at-fault party.
- Reckless behavior (DUI, DWI, street racing)
- Actions performed out of spite
How Should I Prepare for My Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney?
Suffering a sudden accident can make a person feel both financially and personally vulnerable. For that reason, people will often turn to a Personal Injury Lawyer for help because they are looking at immense financial uncertainty or even bankruptcy due to their injury. The outcome of a personal injury case can provide victims with much-needed relief, such as a settlement that can provide funds for medical bills, home and vehicle modifications, and other necessary services.
At Ylla | Gosney, we understand how important it is to reach a successful outcome for your case, and having an adequate preparation list for when you first contact a Personal Injury Lawyer can help you get started. You can prepare for your initial consultation by detailing the following:
- Employment details: current or former employer, job title, dates of employment, and compensation information.
- Nature of the complaint: type of carelessness that led to your injury (premise liability, car accident, defective equipment)
- Timeline of events: dates of key incidents, formal complaints filed, relevant communications with employer
- Details about the incident: small details can make a huge difference when it comes to proving liability and damages
- Receipts and Invoices: any documentation you have of expenses related to your injury or accident may help in proving your damages
- Witnesses: names and contact information of potential witnesses to the alleged misconduct
- Documentation: list of relevant documents (x-rays, MRIs, doctor’s diagnosis, physical therapy appointments, workers’ compensation forms)
- Prior legal action: if you’ve filed previous personal injury claims, then the details of your previous case may be relevant to your new case
- Medical information: details about your medical diagnosis and treatment plan
- Social media presence: your injury may be documented online, as well as you discussing the details of your personal injury
How THC Impacts Drivers
In 2022, a crash in Tishomingo killed six high school students, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The cause of the accident was linked to teen drivers who had recently used cannabis before driving. Studies have shown that accidents like these are typically attributed to the effects of THC, which cause a driver to have:
- Slower reaction time
- Loss of coordination
- Less of an ability to process changes in the road
- Lack of caution while driving
- Unawareness
Due to the uptick in THC-impaired driving in Oklahoma, the state passed SB 54 to ban consuming marijuana in vehicles for drivers and passengers. Violations include $500 fines, or harsher DUI penalties for severe violations.
How to Strengthen Your Oklahoma City Car Accident Claim
If you suffer a car accident injury, seek medical attention immediately. Nothing is more important than your health. After you get medical care, it is recommended to:
- Report the injury to OKC police: failing to report an accident can be detrimental to your claim. A police report should be filed, even if you believe you’re fine after the accident. A report will not only place liability on the responsible party, but it will serve as evidence if you decide to take legal action.
- Take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements. Photos, videos, and witness statements can help you establish a strong case so that your compensation cannot be denied by the insurance company. Irefutable evidence works in your favor in case someone changes their story or the insurance company tries to claim you were at fault.
- Follow up on your injuries with a doctor. Any injuries you’ve sustained from your accident will become a part of your case, and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries.
- Contact Ylla and Gosney, Attorneys at Law to protect your rights to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed by the incident and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and get you the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Contact Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law
If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a driver high on THC in Oklahoma City, Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law can help. While insurance companies will typically reduce your compensation or outright deny your claim, our firm stands up on behalf of injured car accident victims and protects their right to fair compensation. Take the first step to recovering your life after an unfortunate car accident by contacting Ylla Goseny today for a free consultation and see what legal options are available for your situation.