Driver Impaired Accident

Accidents caused by impaired drivers are some of the most devastating on the road. They are also some of the most frustrating, as every DUI accident is 100% preventable. When someone gets behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put everyone around them at serious risk. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an impaired driver, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George's County car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable because we don’t believe it’s right that you and your family are left paying for another’s bad choices.

In Maryland, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower, at 0.04%. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in legal consequences.

Maryland law also prohibits driving under the influence of drugs, including illegal substances, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs, if they impair the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland can be severe and include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. However, these criminal penalties are designed to punish the impaired driver; they do not compensate the victims of accidents caused by DUI. That’s where civil lawsuits come into play.

When a driver is charged with DUI, they will face a criminal prosecution. However, criminal cases are handled by the state and focus on penalizing the driver for breaking the law. These cases do not provide compensation to the victims who may have been injured or lost loved ones as a result of the driver’s actions.

If you were injured in a DUI accident, you have the right to pursue a separate personal injury lawsuit against the impaired driver. Unlike a criminal case, which is designed to punish the driver, a personal injury claim focuses on securing compensation for you, the victim. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.

It’s important to understand that even if the driver is convicted of DUI in a criminal court, you will still need to file a separate civil lawsuit to pursue financial compensation. Similarly, if the driver is not convicted in the criminal case, you may still be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit, as the burden of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal cases.

Being involved in an accident with a drunk or drug-impaired driver is a life-changing experience, and it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. From dealing with ongoing medical treatment to getting your vehicle repaired to filing a lawsuit, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where an experienced Prince George's County DUI accident lawyer can make a difference.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we take pride in offering accident victims comprehensive representation designed to maximize their compensation. Below are a few of the things we will take care of when you bring us on board your case:

• Investigating the accident: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine who was at fault. This may include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage and the driver’s BAC test results.
• Handling communications: We will handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing parties, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about negotiating or dealing with complex legal issues. Our goal is to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries.
• Building a strong case: We will work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to build a strong case on your behalf. This is especially important in cases where liability may be contested or where the driver’s intoxication level is in dispute.
• Pursuing full compensation: Our team will fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs resulting from the accident. If the impaired driver acted with extreme recklessness or malice, we may also pursue punitive damages to hold them accountable.

Filing a personal injury claim after a DUI accident can be a complex process, but having an experienced Prince George’s County DUI accident attorney on your side can make all the difference.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, it’s important you understand your rights and options. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our team of dedicated Prince George's County car accident lawyers is immediately available to meet with you to discuss your case. We understand the devastating impact that impaired driving accidents can have on victims and their families, and we are committed to providing your family with the legal support you need to recover—emotionally, physically, and financially. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with our Prince George’s County personal injury attorney, call us at 301-441-2022. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.