High Driving Accident Info

High Driving accidents attorneys in California

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) published research in March 2019 that showed random drug testing identified drugs in 0.7 percent of commercial drivers in 2016. Federal laws establish that commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in safety-sensitive positions such as truck drivers must be tested in a specific manner for the presence of marijuana for such reasons as pre-employment screening, post-accident (when accident is fatal, causes injury, or requires a tow-away), random testing throughout the year, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty and follow-up.

Marijuana tests identify past use of marijuana, not intoxication, and United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Rule 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 40.87 establishes that a driver fails a marijuana test when marijuana metabolites are found at 50 ng/mL in the initial test and 15 ng/mL in a confirmatory test. The ATRI report states, “Studies have found that marijuana intoxication impairs a number of critical cognitive functions for safe driving.”

California High Driving Truck Accident Attorney

If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a truck accident caused by a high truck driver in California, it could be extremely difficult proving that the driver was under the influence of a drug. Make sure that you have skilled legal representation for assistance getting the evidence you need.

The May Firm will fight to make sure that you get all of the compensation you are entitled to. Call (844) 629-3476 or contact us online to receive a free consultation.

Types of High Driving Truck Accidents

While marijuana is the drug most commonly associated with getting high, there are many other types of drugs that can provide a user with a similarly euphoric feeling. Some of these drugs may be prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or even over-the-counter medication, but the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) lists all of the following as commonly abused drugs:

• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy, Molly)
• Ayahuasca
• Central Nervous System Depressants
• Cocaine
• Dextromethorphan (DXM)
• Hallucinogens
• Heroin
• Inhalants
• Ketamine
• Khat
• Kratom
• Loperamide
• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
• Marijuana (Cannabis)
• Mescaline (Peyote)
• Methamphetamine
• N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Prescription Opioids
• Prescription Stimulants
• Psilocybin
• Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
• Salvia
• Synthetic Cannabinoids
• Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts)
• γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)

Any driver who is high on any drug is much more likely to cause a motor vehicle accident. Some of the most common kinds of crashes that may result include, but are not limited to:

• Override Accidents
• Wide-Turning Accidents
• Rear-End Collisions
• Blocking Accidents
• Jackknife Accidents
• Underride Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Head-On Collisions
• Intersection Accidents
• T-Bone Collisions

Drivers who were high could face criminal charges, but driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs can be more difficult for police officers to prove because tests for marijuana and other drugs are not as instantaneous as alcohol-related tests.

Types of High Driving Truck Accident Injuries

The kind of accident can be a major factor in the nature of the injuries that result. In most cases, people are seriously hurt, require significant medical care, and can face very lengthy periods of recovery.

It is not uncommon for truck accident victims to face very lengthy periods of inability to return to work. Some of the injuries stemming from high driving truck accidents include, but are not limited to:

• Neck injuries
• Burn injuries
• Paralysis
• Sprains
• Internal organ injuries
• Muscle strains
• Lacerations
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries

Some instances of a commercial driver operating while high can be fatal. The driver and possibly the trucking company could be held liable through a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the deceased person’s family members.

Contact a High Driving Truck Accident Lawyer in California

Did you suffer catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a truck accident in California caused by a high truck driver? Make sure that you get legal representation as quickly as you can.

The May Firm will represent you on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay when you recover a monetary award. We will help you understand all of your legal options as soon as you call (844) 629-3476 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.