Earlier this month, one woman lost her life and another man is in critical condition following an accident between two cars that occurred in Baynes, Maryland. According to one local news report, the accident took place on Darnestown Road near Whites Ferry Road in the evening hours.
Evidently, the two accident victims were traveling in an SUV that was operated by another male, the boyfriend of the deceased woman. At some point, the SUV crossed over the center line dividing the lanes of oncoming traffic. As the SUV crossed over, it struck a sedan traveling in the opposite direction. The force from the collision caused the SUV to roll over and eventually strike a tree near the roadside.
One of the passengers was ejected from the vehicle, and another was trapped inside. Before emergency workers could respond, a passerby stopped to help the injured accident victims. However, despite their best efforts, the front-seat passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The other passenger, a 23-year-old male, was still in the hospital in critical condition at the time the article was published.
The driver of the SUV, as well as the driver and passenger of the sedan, all suffered minor injuries and are expected to make full recoveries. Police have begun an investigation into the cause of the tragic accident, the results of which are still outstanding. However, at this point they have indicated to reporters that they do believe that alcohol may have played a role in the fatal accident.
Alcohol and Driving Don’t Mix
Despite years of driver education and countless public service campaigns on the issue, motorists are still getting behind the wheel after they have had too much to drink. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each day about 28 people die across the country in drunk driving accidents. This results in an estimated cost of about $199 billion annually, or roughly $800 per adult in the United States.
For the obvious reason of safety, every single state’s legislature, including Maryland’s, has made driving while under the influence illegal. Maryland has a per se statute that considers anyone with a certain amount of blood-alcohol content to be legally intoxicated. Anyone operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater is guilty of DUI. Anyone with a blood-alcohol content between .04 and .08 may be found guilty of DWI, or driving while intoxicated, which is a less serious offense but still punishable in the State of Maryland.
Additionally, anyone injured in a Maryland drunk driving accident is entitled to bring a civil case for damages against the driver they believe is responsible for their injuries. Speaking with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney is a good place to start to learn more about how to recover after a Maryland drunk driving accident.
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. The dedicated personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience you need to feel comfortable putting your case in their hands. Call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Underage Drinking May Be Responsible for North Potomac Crash that Claimed Two Teens’ Lives, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published July 2, 2015.
State Trooper in Serious Condition after Roadside Accident on Interstate 95 in Laurel, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published July 23, 2015.