Denver Law Firm Bell & Pollock, PC Comments on Car Accidents Caused by Drivers Under the Influence of Marijuana
Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 09, 2014 -- Colorado marijuana dispensaries recently opened to the public for the first time, making marijuana legal statewide for recreational purposes and raising concerns about auto accidents caused by impaired drivers, according to Denver, CO personal injury lawyer A. Gary Bell, Jr. of Bell & Pollock, PC.
Bell and attorney Bradley P. Pollock today commented on a report in The Denver Post, “Colorado’s marijuana foes and supporters worked for smooth launch” (Jan. 3, 2014).
“We realize the vast majority of people will likely use marijuana responsibly, but just like drunk driving, all it takes is a few reckless drivers high on marijuana to cause serious or even fatal car accidents in Denver or elsewhere in Colorado,” Bell said. “Some people might not realize how much marijuana can affect their ability to drive safely. It’s the same as drinking and driving. No one would ever imagine getting behind the wheel of a car after having too much to drink. Drivers need to behave in the same responsible manner when it comes to marijuana.”
Marijuana dispensaries opened statewide on Jan. 1 in Colorado, according to The Denver Post article. Long lines of people waiting to purchase marijuana were reported at many dispensaries around the state, The Post reported. Colorado residents voted in 2012 to legalize the sale of marijuana. This past year, Colorado residents also voted to decriminalize marijuana possession and levy a regulatory tax on the drug, according to The New York Times, “Measures to Legalize Marijuana Are Passed” (Nov. 6, 2013).
Some officials, however, are concerned about out-of-state residents visiting the state specifically to buy marijuana, especially in ski areas that attract tourists from around the world, according to the Chicago Tribune, “Colorado state tourism wary of marijuana tourists” (Jan. 2, 2014). That’s why the Wyoming Highway Patrol has pledged to be on the lookout for drivers entering the state with marijuana purchased in neighboring Colorado, according to The Denver Post, “Wyo. Troopers on watch for imported Colo. pot” (Jan. 2, 2014).
All drivers in Colorado need to be more aware of people possibly driving under the influence of marijuana, said Denver auto accident attorney Bradley P. Pollock. “People need to realize there will likely be more people on the road driving under the influence of pot in Colorado,” Pollock said. “We hope we’re wrong and recreational marijuana users stay home and stay off the road. But the reality is some people will get behind the wheel of a car and choose to drive, even though they are high on marijuana. Car accidents in Colorado can be very serious. We know because our law office works every day with injury victims throughout the state. Don’t become another statistic. Stay alert and drive smart.”
For more information about what to do after an impaired driving accident in Colorado and the legal options available to families, call (877) 744-5900.
About Bell & Pollock, PC
An experienced Colorado personal injury law firm serving Denver and residents statewide, Bell & Pollock, PC was founded by attorneys A. Gary Bell, Jr. and Bradley P. Pollock. With offices in the Denver area and Steamboat Springs, CO, Bell & Pollock, PC, has a strong track record for successfully handling a wide range of legal cases, including auto accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and workers compensation. Bell & Pollock, PC works on a contingency fee basis. That means clients only pay attorney’s fees if they win. Contact Bell & Pollock, PC for a free case evaluation.
Bell & Pollock, PC
5660 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Suite 220
Greenwood Village, CO 80111-1622
http://www.bellpollockinjury.com/
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, +1 (413) 650-0593, [email protected]
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