Earlier this month, a Florida jury awarded a victim of a drunk driving accident $8 million for her medical expenses, permanent injuries, and pain and suffering related to the accident. According to one local news source covering the case, the accident occurred back on October 1, 2010, and it involved allegations that the drunk driver was traveling at about 100 miles per hour when he ran into the back of the plaintiff’s vehicle.
Police conducted a blood test after the accident, which indicated that the driver’s blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. In an interesting turn, the driver responsible for the accident was not criminally charged, despite the evidence of intoxication. Reporters attempted to contact the prosecutor’s office to ask why the case never was brought, but prosecutors did not have an answer, explaining only that there was no record that the case ever reached the office.
The victim of the accident explained to reporters that she had “experienced countless doctors’ appointments, therapy, injections, and then surgery.” Finally, almost seven years after the accident, she received the compensation she deserved.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Maryland
Drunk driving continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents across Maryland. In fact, between the years of 2009 and 2013, there were a total of over 7,300 drunk driving accidents, with approximately 2,300 resulting in serious injuries to at least one driver or passenger.
Maryland lawmakers and police have taken a hardline approach when it comes to drunk driving enforcement efforts, including implementing increased criminal punishments, ignition interlock requirements, and road-side checkpoints to remove drunk drivers from the roads. However, the fact remains that thousands of motorists get behind the wheel each year after having too much to drink.
Recovering Damages After a Drunk Driving Accident
When someone is involved in a Maryland drunk driving accident, they are entitled to bring a lawsuit against the driver responsible for causing the accident. If the victim is able to prove that the other driver was intoxicated and was responsible for causing the accident, they may receive significant financial compensation for their injuries. However, these cases are generally contested by the other driver’s insurance company, and they rarely settle for fair amounts without intervention from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a Maryland drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to receive monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of collective experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published April 11, 2017.
The Continuing Problem of Drunk Driving on Maryland Roads, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published March 28, 2017.