Earlier this month, an Indian Head man was arrested and charged with several DUI-related charges for his involvement in a fatal DUI accident that took place back in April of this year. According to one local news source, the accident took place during the late evening hours of April 28.
Evidently, the man who was recently charged was driving his Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Route 425 when he inexplicably crossed over the center median and collided with a Kia Soul. The two vehicles collided head-on. The driver of the Kia, a 20-year-old Nanjemoy volunteer firefighter, died at the scene of the accident. The driver of the Silverado was also injured, although he was able to recover from his injuries.
After the fatal accident, police suspected the driver of the Silverado of being intoxicated, and they conducted tests to determine if that was the case. Once the tests came back, they indicated that that was indeed the case. Charges were then filed for negligent homicide, homicide by auto, and driving under the influence, and the man was arrested.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Maryland
Each year, hundreds of accidents are caused because a driver gets behind the wheel of a car or truck after having had too much to drink. In fact, in Maryland alone there were 141 drunk-driving related deaths in 2014. This figure accounts for over 30% of all traffic-related fatalities in the State.
Drunk driving is a serious problem in Maryland, and the laws of the State reflect that. Whenever a driver is found to be operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or greater, they can be arrested and criminally charged for drunk driving. The criminal consequences increase for the drunk driver if anyone was injured as a result of an accident that he or she caused.
In addition to the criminal consequences of drunk driving, the injured party or their family may also hold the drunk driver civilly responsible for their actions through a civil personal injury action. These cases result in compensation for the victim or the victim’s family, if they can prove that the drunk driver caused their injuries or losses. Of course, proving a case at trial can be a complex and lengthy process, and it is best left to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured by a Maryland Drunk Driver?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Depending on the facts surrounding the accident, your injuries, and other attendant circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for your past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and decreased earning capacity, as well as for any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Calling is free, and we won’t bill you unless we can help you recover compensation in your case.
More Blog Posts:
One Woman Dead, One Man in Critical Condition after Baynes Collision; Alcohol Suspected, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published August 11, 2015.
State Trooper in Serious Condition after Roadside Accident on Interstate 95 in Laurel, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published July 23, 2015.