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A motorcyclist who lost his leg in an accident where the other driver was under the influence of drugs is speaking out about the unequal nature of DUI drug and DUI alcohol charges. According to NBC’s 11 Alive, John McLean almost died in a horrific motorcycle crash that eventually led to the amputation of his left leg. For the last two years after the accident, McLean has spoken out against the way Georgia handles DUI drug cases, arguing that they should be treated the same way as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Two years ago, an accident occurred between McLean and an 18-year-old driving a car on Eagle’s Drive and Towne Lake Parkway. McLean suffered terrible and lasting injuries, including losing his right leg, broken bones in his arm, hand, and face, and a damaged optic nerve that left his right eye mostly blind. The teen, Cody Ray Khanamakhom, was originally charged with misdemeanor failure to yield while turning left, violation of class CP license, no license on person, and driving under the influence of drugs. After impassioned pleas by McLean, Khanamakhom was recently charged with felony driving under the influence, reckless driving and serious injury by a vehicle.
McLean is frustrated because Georgia handles DUI drug cases and DUI alcohol cases differently. In DUI cases involving marijuana, a prosecutor must prove that the individual’s ability to drive was compromised because of the drug’s usage. The maximum punishment for a DUI accident that results in serious injury is 12 months of jail time, but a felony charge carries up to a five-year prison sentence.
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident or one where a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact a dedicated car accident attorney to see if you could pursue legal recourse through a lawsuit. You may be entitled to receive financial remuneration for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Fill out our free case evaluation form today.