The majority of Nevada voters cast their ballots in 2016 to legalize marijuana in the state. The result was a change in the law that made the retail sale of marijuana legal effective June 30, 2017. Some believe that the increase in car accidents in the state is a direct result of drivers getting behind the wheel under the influence of marijuana. Indeed, the first states to legislatively legalize recreational marijuana experienced an increase in car accidents. Many believe this spike was due to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Nevada.
A significant increase in tourism in states that have legalized marijuana is also believed to add to the increase of car accidents. Many individuals do not think driving under the influence of marijuana impacts drivers in the same manner as driving under the influence or alcohol or other drugs. Consequently, people are more willing to get behind the wheel after using marijuana.
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
Nevada law previously prohibited operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance prior to recreational marijuana’s legalization in 2017. Under federal law, marijuana is still considered a controlled substance. Even after Nevada legalized the recreational use of this drug, operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana is against the law. It is also against Nevada law to smoke or consume edible marijuana while behind the wheel. If someone is caught violating the law, he or she can face driving under the influence (DUI) charges. Consequences an accused may face include mandated community service or two to six months in jail, driver’s license suspension for six months, monetary fines, and court costs.
Are Car Accidents Involving Marijuana Worse?
The severity of the damage and injuries resulting from a Nevada car accident where one or more drivers were under the influence of marijuana can vary. There are many factors that play into the severity of a crash—even those involving a driver under the influence of marijuana—such as the type of cars involved, the type of car crash, the drivers’ speed, whether any other substance was involved, and other circumstances. Even if the injuries resulting from a marijuana-related car accident are minor, an injured victim has a right to seek monetary compensation.
What to Do if Involved in a Nevada Accident
If you or someone you know is involved in a Nevada accident where a driver was under the influence of marijuana, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident;
- Call law enforcement authorities;
- Move your location to somewhere safe;
- Take videos and pictures;
- Exchange information with others involved;
- Report to car accident to the DMV;
- Contact your car insurance company.
Taking the above steps will help protect your rights under Nevada law if you or someone you know is involved in a Las Vegas car accident—whether or not marijuana consumption was involved.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney
It is wise to reach out to the Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at H&P Law if you or someone you know is hurt in a car crash. The skilled lawyers at our firm will explain your rights and obligations under Nevada law. If the other driver was under the influence of marijuana or any other drug while driving, our lawyers will work hard to find evidence to establish fault.
