Driving under the influence (DUI) is nothing out of the extraordinary in Los Angeles, where an estimated 100 people get arrested for DUI every day. In fact, we’ve even gotten used to celebrity DUI arrests in LA and all across California.
But now that marijuana was legalized in California in 2016, DUI arrests involving weed users are booming in Los Angeles. Not to say that people hadn’t been caught driving under the influence of pot prior to the legalization.
After the legalization of weed, however, there is a new set of concerns, as an increased number of people are freely driving while smoking pot.
This also means that police officers in Los Angeles are much busier on the roads of LA trying to stop marijuana users (this will certainly require them to train the sense of smell).
Earlier this month, a strong sense of smell of LAPD officers helped them arrest a regular star on the Showtime series Shameless. The 18-year-old actor, Ethan Cutkosky, was pulled over by police after they smelled marijuana coming from his car.
Prior to the arrest, the actor was also seen speeding, making unsafe turning movements, and lane straddling. Cutkosky admitted to police that he had been smoking pot earlier that evening. The Shameless star was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Here’s how marijuana leads to car accidents
Here at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, our marijuana accident lawyer has already noted the statewide repercussions of weed legalization in California, and specifically in Los Angeles.
Our attorneys have been busy handling marijuana-related car accidents on the streets of Los Angeles, indicating just how dangerous the streets of our city have become since weed was legalized last year.
Studies have shown that driving while smoking marijuana decreases focus and slow down reaction times, two vital factors that may lead to car accidents. This means car drivers who DUI of weed become a potential threat to other drivers in Los Angeles, as slow reaction time can be deadly.
If a car driver has trouble focusing on the road or reacting properly, he/she is more likely to run a red light or brake too late after noticing an obstacle on the road (or a car in front stopping abruptly).
How to handle a DUI case involving marijuana?
Since marijuana use was legalized not long ago, litigating motor vehicle accidents involving weed can be daunting due to the complexity of the laws regarding cannabis.
That’s why it’s advised to seek legal advice from an attorney to fight for your rights and adopt an aggressive approach when dealing with celebrities and mere mortals driving under the influence of marijuana.
If you were injured, your car was damaged or your loved one was killed in a marijuana car accident, don’t hesitate to consult our marijuana motor vehicle accident attorney to start investigating your case and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Our injury lawyers in Los Angeles are interested in making the streets of LA safer, which is why we are willing to fight day and night for your rights under the law (even if you happen to get into a car accident with a marijuana-smoking celebrity).
Call the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg at 310-997-0904 or fill out this contact form to get a free initial consultation about your case.
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