DUI Accidents

Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of Maryland motor vehicle accidents. DUI accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to a drunk driver’s impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and poor decision-making. If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, understanding your legal options and how to seek compensation is crucial. The dedicated Prince George’s County DUI accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are here to guide you through this process and help you get the justice you deserve. We have decades of experience helping accident victims and their family members and look forward to discussing how we can help you pursue a claim for financial compensation.

Drunk driving is a pervasive issue across the United States, and Maryland is no exception. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, there were over 7,000 DUI-related crashes in recent years, accounting for hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries. These accidents often result in more serious outcomes due to the high speed and direct impact involved in many drunk driving accidents.

On a national level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drunk driving contributes to nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Every day, about 28 people die in the U.S. due to alcohol-impaired driving accidents.

In Prince George’s County, local law enforcement frequently reports a high incidence of DUI-related accidents, particularly along major highways like Interstate 495 and Route 301. These areas see increased traffic combined with drivers under the influence, making the roads more hazardous for all motorists.

In Maryland, if you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, the impaired driver is usually liable for the damages caused. DUI accidents typically involve clear-cut negligence, as driving under the influence is illegal and widely recognized as extremely reckless. Victims of DUI accidents can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver. Maryland has dram shop laws, which hold businesses that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals responsible for injuries caused by those individuals. For example, if a bar serves alcohol to a person who is clearly intoxicated, and that person then causes a DUI accident, the bar may also be held liable for the resulting damages. Dram shop liability adds another layer of accountability, ensuring that businesses take their responsibility seriously when serving alcohol.

To prove liability in a DUI accident case, you will need to establish that the driver was impaired and that their intoxication directly caused the accident and your injuries. This can be done through police reports, witness testimony, and, in some cases, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results.

Maryland follows a contributory negligence doctrine, which can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation in a DUI accident case. Under this rule, if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident—such as being distracted or violating a minor traffic law—you may be barred from receiving any compensation.

This strict standard makes it essential to work with an experienced Prince George’s car accident lawyer who can help ensure that fault is placed squarely on the drunk driver. Establishing a solid case that proves the other party’s full responsibility is critical to recovering the compensation you deserve.

In DUI accident cases, contributory negligence can be particularly challenging, as defense attorneys may try to shift some blame onto the victim. An experienced attorney can anticipate these tactics and build a strong case to protect your rights.

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in Prince George’s County, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable car accident lawyer by your side at every step of the way. Navigating Maryland’s legal system, especially given the state’s use of the contributory negligence doctrine, requires a deep understanding of the law and a strategic approach to presenting evidence. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have extensive experience handling DUI accident cases and are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve. We will investigate your case thoroughly, gather all necessary evidence, and work to hold the impaired driver—or other responsible parties—accountable for your injuries. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, contact us today by calling 301-441-2022 or through our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.