Marijuana is now legal in Illinois for adults aged 21 and over. However, driving under the influence of marijuana is still against the law. Cannabis flower and THC products have a major effect on a person’s cognitive function. Studies show that it can distort a person’s perception, decrease coordination, and slow reaction time. It is, therefore, no surprise that drugged driving is associated with a higher risk of being in a car accident. One study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that cannabis-related auto accidents have doubled in the last 20 years.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by a driver who was intoxicated by marijuana, it is important to know your legal options.

Car Crashes Caused by High Drivers

Public opinion about cannabis has changed dramatically in recent years. However, this does not mean that marijuana use is without risk. People who drive while “high” put their own lives and the lives of others in danger. In Illinois, those who drive with greater than five nanograms or more of THC per ml of blood are at risk of DUI charges. However, criminal charges against a drugged driver do not provide any restitution to victims.

Medical advancements have helped people live longer, healthier lives. Among these advancements are implantable medical devices like insulin pumps, pacemakers, and artificial joints. While most medical devices are safe and effective, sometimes there are unexpected problems with medical devices that put patients at risk of injury or even death. Defective medical devices can be extremely dangerous so it is important for anyone who uses a medical device to be aware of product recalls involving medical devices.

Defective and Dangerous Medical Devices

Whether it is a metal rod used to keep bones in place after a break, a pump that delivers medication, or another type of medical device, it can be unnerving to have a foreign object implanted in your body. Sometimes, this hesitation is warranted. People who suffer complications after a medical device is implanted may not initially realize that the device is the cause of their problem. However, they soon realize that something is terribly wrong.

Medical devices with known defects are recalled by the FDA, but sometimes the recall comes too late to avoid medical complications. Some of the top medical device recalls of the past few years include:

Freight trucks transport the majority of the cargo shipped across the country. While most trucks are loaded properly and the freight is shipped without incident, sometimes, cargo becomes dislodged. In extreme cases, cargo even falls off of the truck and onto the road. This creates an extremely serious and potentially deadly hazard.

If you or a loved one were involved in an accident caused by loose or dropped cargo, you may be unsure of who to blame. A personal injury attorney experienced in truck accident cases can help you identify the liable party and seek the financial compensation you need.

Improper Loading and Securement of Truck Freight

Commercial trucks travel vast distances – often on rough roads and through unpredictable weather. The importance of truck cargo being loaded properly and secured tightly can hardly be overstated. Loose truck cargo can move around in the trailer of a semi-truck, causing the driver to lose control. Truck freight may even drop out of a truck during transit. Fallen cargo may strike other vehicles directly or cause accidents indirectly when motorists swerve to avoid colliding with the cargo.

Cell phones, GPS systems, kids in the backseat, and countless other factors can lead to distracted driving. Driving takes a great deal of concentration. Drivers must pay attention to traffic signs and signals, other motorists, and pedestrians simultaneously. Failure to pay close enough attention to the road and surroundings can lead to horrible accidents.

To bring attention to the ongoing problem of distracted driving, April has been designated as distracted driving awareness month. If you or a loved one were injured in a car crash caused by a distracted driver, you should know your rights. You may be able to hold the distracted driver accountable and seek financial compensation for your damages.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

Despite advances in automotive technology and safety, The National Highway Safety Administration reports that fatal auto accidents rose 17 percent from 2019 to 2021. Many experts believe that the increase in smartphone use behind the wheel and complacency while driving has contributed to the increase in fatal crashes.

Unfortunately, many people struggle to express their feelings in an appropriate way. Fears about COVID-19, problems at home, work frustrations, and other issues can cause a person to lash out at others while driving. Studies show that incidences of road rage are on the rise. The AAA foundation states that aggressive driving is a contributing factor in over half of all fatal car crashes. It is estimated that road rage leads to 1,800 injuries and 30 deaths each year in the U.S.

If you or a loved one were injured in a collision caused by another driver’s road rage, you should know that you have options. In addition to any criminal charges the driver faces, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.

What is Road Rage?

There is no one definition for road rage, but it is usually characterized by driving behaviors that are intentionally dangerous. Aggressive drivers may tailgate, weave in and out of lanes, slam on their brakes, or yell at other drivers. Sometimes, this behavior escalates to deliberately colliding with other vehicles or running another vehicle off the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that following too closely, driving under the influence, speeding, and erratic lane changes often coincide with road rage accidents.