Earlier last month, three adults and one two-year-old child were killed when a woman crashed through a barricade at the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade. Somewhere around 46 others were injured. In a recent local news article, prosecutors told reporters that they believe the woman behind the wheel that day was acting intentionally when she drove her car into the crowd of people.
Evidently, the driver of the vehicle crashed through a barricade and then drove over an unmanned police motorcycle before crashing into the crowd of people. In the aftermath of the accident, police arrested the woman under suspicion of driving under the influence. Prosecutors overseeing the case believe that the tragedy looked as though it was intentionally caused. The results of the toxicology testing have yet to come back from the lab, and charges against the woman are currently pending.
The family of the woman, as well as her attorney, explained to reporters that she has suffered from mental health issues in the past, and this sort of conduct was not in her character.
Fatal Accidents in Maryland
As the article discussed above mentioned, the driver involved in the fatal accident was given a drug and alcohol test immediately after the accident in order to determine whether she was intoxicated. In fact, many states including Maryland allow for police to require the surviving driver of a fatal accident to submit themselves to drug and alcohol testing. This may help the prosecution – as well as any victims in a subsequent civil case – prove their case against the allegedly drunk driver.
It is important to note that even if a driver is found not to have been intoxicated, they may still be held responsible for the deaths resulting from their negligent conduct. Of course, having evidence that the driver was intoxicated is helpful to a claim, but it is far from a requirement. In fact, most personal injury cases relying on the theory of negligence are not proven with evidence of intoxication. Instead, negligence is proven through other means, such as showing that a driver was speeding, distracted, or driving aggressively. If you have been in a Maryland accident, you should consult with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney prior to proceeding.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of Maryland accident, regardless of whether alcohol was involved, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for all that you have been put through. In many cases, successful plaintiffs will be able to recover compensation for their past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering associated with the accident. In wrongful death cases, the loved ones of a deceased accident victim may be able to seek recovery for all of the above as well as for funeral expenses. To learn more, call the Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at 410-654-3600 to set up your free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
State Supreme Court Reverses Plaintiff’s Award for Punitive Damages, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published October 7, 2015.
Driver Arrested and Charged with DUI Homicide After Fatal Southern Maryland Accident, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published September 23, 2015.