Drunk driving is frequently listed as one of the leading causes of Maryland car accidents. Sadly, we take this as a given, as drunk driving accidents are not uncommon. However, every single DUI accident is entirely preventable and, despite the decades-long efforts of lawmakers, people continue to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
Consuming alcohol has several negative effects on a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. For example, those who consume alcohol have slower reaction times, their judgment becomes clouded, they often get sleepy, and their ability to gauge risk is greatly compromised. The end result is that anytime someone gets behind the wheel after having too much to drink, they place everyone on the road at risk. Drivers who engage in this reckless conduct can—and should—be held accountable for their actions.
DC Teachers’ Union President Legally Impaired Following Fatal Accident
A tragic example of a drunk driving case comes from neighboring Washington, D.C. Back in April of this year, a D.C. musician was fatally struck by a driver while waiting at a traffic light. According to a local news report, the tragic collision took place at the intersection of Crain Highway and Harbour Way in Prince George’s Count. As it turns, out the driver of the striking vehicle was the president of the D.C. Teacher’s Union.
Authorities began an investigation into the accident and subsequently learned that the union president was legally intoxicated at the time of the collision. Evidently, she had a blood-alcohol content of .13, which exceeds the legal limit of .08.
This wasn’t the first time the union president had been arrested for driving under the influence. According to the report, she was cited for driving under the influence and reckless driving back in 2019, when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a guard rail.
At this point, it remains unclear what criminal charges the drunk driver will face. There is also no indication if the family of the deceased accident victim is planning on pursuing a wrongful death claim in the wake of the fatal accident.
What Is a Maryland Wrongful Death Case?
Maryland wrongful death claims are cases by which family members of a deceased accident victim can obtain compensation for their losses. Unlike a criminal case, which focuses on punishing a driver for violating the law, a wrongful death claim focuses on providing families with meaningful compensation for their losses. Wrongful death cases are easier to prove than criminal cases, so even if a driver isn’t convicted of a crime, grieving family members can still pursue a civil claim against the at-fault driver.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or a loved one was recently involved in a Maryland DUI accident, reach out to the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen for immediate assistance. Our committed team of Maryland personal injury attorneys has decades of experience aggressively pursuing compensation on behalf of accident victims and their families. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients are not left paying for the negligent actions of other drivers. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call 800-654-1949 today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.