Hit by a Drunk Driver

Drunk driving accidents claim countless lives each year and leaves those victims who survive with devastating injuries. In Prince George’s County, drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated pose a severe risk to everyone on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 10,000 people die each year in alcohol-related crashes across the U.S. In Maryland, drunk driving remains a serious issue, with a significant percentage of motor vehicle fatalities involving alcohol impairment. Victims of these reckless decisions often face long-term medical treatment, loss of income, and emotional and physical pain that could have been avoided.

At Foran & Foran, P.A. our team aggressively pursues claims against drivers who endanger others through drunk driving. We understand the immense toll these accidents take and have extensive experience fighting for compensation in cases involving alcohol-related crashes, hit-and-run incidents, and other serious car accidents. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, the loss of a loved one, or the overwhelming aftermath of a collision, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and to seek the justice you deserve.

Drunk driving is a serious and deadly problem in Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they put everyone on the road at risk. Victims of drunk driving crashes often face severe injuries, long-term medical treatments, and emotional trauma. In many cases, the harm inflicted could have been avoided if the driver had acted responsibly.

According to Zero Deaths Maryland, alcohol or drug impairment was involved in 142 fatal crashes over a five-year average from 2019 to 2023, contributing to the staggering number of accidents and fatalities. These reckless choices cause lifelong consequences for victims and their families. If a drunk driver injured you or a loved one, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages.

Under Maryland law, driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense, but the consequences don’t end there. Drivers who cause accidents while intoxicated can also be held civilly liable for the harm they cause. If a drunk driver hit you in Prince George’s County, the law allows you to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover damages.

Drunk driving cases often involve:

• Medical expenses—victims may require emergency care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation;
• Lost wages—if you cannot work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income or diminished earning capacity; and
• Pain and suffering—drunk driving accidents often result in emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and long-term physical pain.

A Prince George’s County drunk driving accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. A skilled attorney will hold the responsible party accountable by thoroughly investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and working with medical professionals.

Proving liability in drunk driving accidents often involves a wide range of evidence, including:

• Police report. When a drunk driving accident occurs, law enforcement typically arrives at the scene, conducts sobriety tests, and files a report. This documentation can be crucial in establishing fault.
• Chemical tests. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels from breathalyzers or blood tests are critical pieces of evidence in proving the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.
• Witness testimony. Eyewitnesses who saw the driver’s behavior before or during the crash can provide valuable testimony about their intoxicated state.
• Accident reconstruction. In cases of severe or fatal crashes, accident reconstruction experts may be used to determine how the accident occurred and whether alcohol impairment was a factor.

A Prince George’s County attorney can build a strong case and ensure justice is served by gathering and presenting these types of evidence.

Drunk driving accidents often result in some of the most severe injuries due to the lack of control and reckless driving associated with intoxicated drivers. Victims of these accidents frequently suffer from:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Sudden and violent impacts in drunk driving crashes can cause concussions, brain bleeding, and long-term cognitive issues.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term medical care.
• Broken bones and fractures. The force of a high-speed crash often leads to broken bones, which may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma can result in internal bleeding, organ damage, and life-threatening conditions that require immediate intervention.
• Fatalities. Sadly, many drunk driving crashes end in death. In 2023, Maryland reported 492 fatalities on the road, with a significant number linked to alcohol-impaired drivers.

These injuries can be life-altering, requiring ongoing medical treatments and leaving victims with lasting emotional scars. Compensation for these injuries is crucial to helping victims recover financially, physically, and emotionally.

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, whether you were a pedestrian, passenger, or driver, you may be entitled to compensation. While driving under the influence equates to negligence under Maryland law, that doesn’t mean proving your case will be easy. In fact, the insurance company will almost certainly attempt to minimize the value of your claim, which is why you need an experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyer on your side. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we’re immediately available to discuss your injuries ad get started preparing your case. Call us today at 301-441-2022 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.