Earlier this month, police in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, were called to the scene of a hit-and-run accident at around three in the morning. According to one local news source, the hit-and-run driver waited at the scene until right before the police arrived and then fled the scene of the accident.
According to one eyewitness who was present at the scene, the driver exited his vehicle after the accident and pleaded with witnesses not to call police. He allegedly told them that he “isn’t drunk” and that he “would give them money” if they didn’t call the police. These same witnesses allegedly told police that they could smell alcohol on the man’s breath before he left the scene moments later.
Witnesses later told police that the driver crashed into several parked cars before disabling his own vehicle. One witness claimed that “it sounded like he bounced off the cars like a ping pong ball.” As the car approached the witness and his girlfriend, the man was forced to push his girlfriend out of the way of the oncoming vehicle.
Police got word that the man was staying with a friend, and they went to that address in hopes of locating the man. However, residents at the home refused to answer the door. Police believe that the man has since gone back to his home in Maryland. A warrant has been placed for his arrest for drunk driving, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and possession of paraphernalia.
Drunk Driving on Maryland Roads
Drunk driving is one of the top three causes of fatal traffic accidents in the United States, along with speeding and distracted driving. While the accident discussed above took place in Pennsylvania, the laws against drunk driving are very similar to those in Maryland.
In Maryland, it is against the law for anyone to operate any motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or greater. A driver may reach a BAC of .08 after just a couple drinks, and many times legally “drunk” drivers honestly believe that they are driving safely, even though they are not. This, however, is not a legal excuse to drive while intoxicated.
When a drunk driver causes a serious or fatal accident, they can face both criminal and civil penalties. Criminal penalties are brought by the state and can result in jail time, fines, and court costs. Civil cases are brought by injury victims or their families, and they can result in monetary judgments against the drunk driver in favor of the injured party. If you have been injured in a Maryland DUI accident, contact a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious or fatal Maryland accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. This may include amounts for past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. To speak with a dedicated attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 today to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney about your case.
More Blog Posts:
Silver Springs DUI Accident Results in One Woman’s Death, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published March 3, 2015.
Mailman in Critical Condition after Single-Vehicle Accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published April 23, 2015.