While the number of Maryland drunk driving accidents continues to slowly decrease year over year, impaired driving is still a leading cause of Maryland car accidents. Indeed, according to the most recent government statistics, there are on average 443 people seriously injured and 160 killed in Maryland drunk driving accidents each year. Drunk driving poses such a danger to Maryland motorists that impaired driving prevention and enforcement consume nearly half the state’s budget for traffic safety programs.
Over recent years, Maryland lawmakers have taken steps to discourage people from getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Most of the new measures focus on the criminal penalties associated with a drunk driving conviction. For example, new laws mandate an ignition interlock device be installed on certain offender’s vehicles. While the new laws may deter some motorists from driving drunk, the laws provide little consolation to those who have been seriously injured by a Maryland impaired driver.
That is not to say that Maryland accident victims are without a means of recourse. Anyone injured in a Maryland DUI accident can pursue a civil case for damages against a driver they believe to be responsible for their injuries. Similarly, those who have lost a loved one in a Maryland car accident can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. While seemingly simple in theory, in practice these cases can be exceedingly complex and should be handled by experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers.
One Man Killed in Laurel Wrong-Way Accident
Earlier this month, one man was killed when his vehicle was struck by a pick-up truck on Maryland Route 32 shortly after 2 a.m. According to a local news report, the victim was traveling in the eastbound lane when the pick-up truck approached in the victim’s lane, traveling in a westbound direction. The victim was tried to avoid the collision, but was unable to do so, and the two vehicles collided nearly head-on. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pick-up truck was not injured in the crash.
Police told reporters that they believe the fatal accident was alcohol-related, and they arrested the driver of the pick-up truck on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a Maryland personal injury lawsuit. At the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, we have a proud history of representing Maryland accident victims in cases against those responsible for their injuries. We handle all types of car accident cases across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including DUI accidents. To learn more about how our dedicated team of Maryland DUI lawyers can help you pursue a claim for compensation based on the injuries you have sustained, call 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Expert Witness Testimony May Be Necessary in Some Maryland Car Accident Cases, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published February 19, 2019.
Victims of Maryland Road Rage May Be Able to Pursue a Claim against Multiple Parties, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published February 5, 2019.