Kirkland Lawyer for Accident Claims Involving a “Stoned” Driver
Handling Marijuana Impairment Car Accident Cases
Lindquist & Kornfeld of Kirkland can help you with all sorts of car accident claims, including those that involve a driver who was high, “stoned,” or otherwise impaired by recreational marijuana while driving. The possession and use of recreational marijuana in minimal quantities are legal in Washington, so pursuing a claim can get tricky.
There are still legal gray areas and contests surrounding the laws regarding its use before driving and how much THC can be present in someone’s system to consider them legally impaired. We can help you carefully navigate your claim while avoiding legal pitfalls due to the state’s evolving recreational marijuana laws.
Call us at (425) 657-5255if you need help after a driver in Kirkland hit you while high. We offer initial consultations to get your started.
What is Initiative 502 in Washington?
Years ago, Washington passed Initiative 502. The measure contained many provisions about liquor and cannabis use in the state, including what should be considered enough THC detectable in someone’s bloodstream to consider them legally impaired by marijuana.
The measure set the THC limit – similar to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for drunk drivers – to just five nanograms. Driving with at least five nanograms of THC in your system can warrant a DUI ticket or arrest.
Opposition to Initiative 502 has argued that five nanograms is too small of an amount. THC is known to linger in peoples’ systems for hours or days without necessarily impairing them. However, the law was passed to send a clear message: driving after using marijuana is dangerous.
Our Proven Results
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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$6,900 Motor Vehicle Accident
Plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries that impacted her ability to participate in daily life activities.
Car Accident -
Medical Malpractice
Jon Doe v. John Doe Entity: A young adolescent was injured in a playful accident and presented to the emergency department at a hospital. X-rays were read as negative by PA. The child was sent home and allowed to walk on foot causing post-traumatic arthritis and eventually 4 joint fusion in the foot.
Medical Malpractice -
$34,500 Motor Vehicle Accident
Plaintiff was a passenger in a car that lost control and collided with a tree. Plaintiff sustained a left shoulder scapula fracture, depression and anxiety.
Car Accident -
$500,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
Jane Doe v. John Doe driver: King County Superior Court No. 02-2-26432-8 Seattle woman involved in a motor vehicle accident suffered spinal injuries to her neck and low back, radiculopathy, and a worsening of her pre-existing fibromyalgia.
Brain Injury -
$250,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
Our client was involved in a rear-end collision on the I-5 near Federal Way, caused by a car who careened into their vehicle at 60 miles per hour. As a result, our client suffered various injuries and medical conditions, ranging from concussion to a significant injury to their left arm, necessitating surgical treatment. The client’s medical bills tallied to more than $86,000.00. Sentry Claims settled the case for $250,000 during mediation.
Car Accident -
$150,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
Our client was the driver of a car that was rear-ended. They sustained a concussion and neck and back injuries. To date, they have not been able to return to work due to post-concussive symptoms. Another good example as to why we need to have sufficient car insurance.
Car Accident -
$1,350,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
A young man in his 30’s was injured in a head-on car crash which resulted in discovery of Syringomyelia aka/Syrinx. The trauma from this collision lit up an underlying congenital condition which he did not know he had.
Brain Injury -
$2,300,000 Brain Injury
Dalgado v. Cosmos Shipping Lines: (Federal Court of Canada Court No. T-1601-98) (Vancouver, Canada) An unsecured gangway nearly drowned a merchant marine. The client suffered a traumatic brain injury and won a claim for lost wages, medical bills, and compensation for his head injuries.
Brain Injury -
$2,000,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
Our client suffered injuries stemming from multiple motor vehicle accidents which occurred in a short period of time. Her injuries left her unable to return to work and with expensive medical bills for her treatment. After the accident, our client’s insurance company failed to pay her the benefits she was owed so Lindquist & Kornfeld stepped in to fight on her behalf.
Car Accident
How Can Marijuana Impair a Driver?
Marijuana impairment can affect a driver similarly to alcohol intoxication. This is why safety groups like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIAD) are so adamant about discouraging people from using recreational marijuana before driving. Even a small amount could affect the driver’s skills and increase the likelihood of a crash.
Marijuana impairment in a driver can cause:
- Worsened motor coordination
- Poor judgment
- Difficulty understanding distances
- Increased reaction time
- Inability to focus on the road
- Exhaustion
Signs of Marijuana Impairment
After you are in a car accident that you suspect was caused by a high driver, you can look for signs of impairment.
Drivers who have recently used marijuana will usually have:
- Red, shifty, and dilated eyes
- Slowed speech with unusual delays between responses
- Difficulty standing still due to worsened muscle control
- Smell of marijuana in their car or on their person
What Makes Our Firm Unique
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40+ Years of
Proven Legal ExperienceWith decades of hands-on litigation and negotiation, we bring a deep understanding of how to build strong, successful cases. -
Aggressive & Personalized
RepresentationWe tailor our legal strategies to your unique situation, relentlessly pursuing the maximum compensation you're entitled to. -
Committed to Securing
Justice for Each ClientWe treat every case with the urgency and dedication it deserves, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected. -
No Fees Unless
We Win Your CaseOur clients can focus on healing while we fight for results—because we only get paid when you do.
Get Your Case Rolling – Call Our Firm Now
There is no time to lose after you have been hit by a high driver. The sooner our Kirkland marijuana impairment accident attorneys can start your case, the sooner we can investigate the available evidence, seek more where needed, and take other steps to progress it. From start to finish, our goal will be to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
For more information, please call (425) 657-5255 at any time.
