Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
DUI accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In Maryland, families who lose loved ones in such accidents have legal options to pursue justice and compensation. Understanding your rights under Maryland law is essential if you are dealing with the aftermath of a DUI-related death. A Maryland DUI accident attorney can help you work through these tragic incidents and recover the compensation you deserve.
Fatal DUI Accident in Wicomico County Leads to Manslaughter Charges
In a tragic early morning crash on May 19, three lives were lost due to a head-on collision involving a driver suspected of driving under the influence. The accident occurred on US 13 near Fruitland when a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction collided with another car carrying a young family. The crash claimed the lives of a 21-year-old man, a 20-year-old woman, and their 1-year-old child.
The driver responsible for the crash, who was seriously injured and airlifted to a trauma center, has since been charged with multiple counts of manslaughter and driving under the influence. Authorities are continuing their investigation, but the charges reflect the severe consequences of impaired driving.
The Dangers of Head-On DUI Crashes
Head-on DUI crashes are among the most catastrophic types of accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. When a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, their ability to judge distance, react to oncoming traffic, and maintain control of their vehicle is significantly compromised. This impaired judgment can lead to deadly mistakes, such as driving the wrong way on a highway, as seen in the recent Wicomico County incident.
The force of impact in a head-on collision is magnified because both vehicles are typically traveling at high speeds toward each other. This results in extreme damage to the vehicles involved and often leaves little chance for survival, particularly for those in the smaller or lighter vehicles. In the case of DUI-related head-on crashes, the unpredictability and recklessness of the impaired driver make these accidents especially dangerous.
In addition to the immediate physical damage, head-on DUI crashes often result in complex legal situations. Victims and their families must navigate not only the emotional and financial fallout but also the legal process of holding the impaired driver accountable. Maryland law recognizes the seriousness of these incidents, and drivers who cause head-on collisions while under the influence can face significant criminal charges, including manslaughter.
For families affected by these devastating accidents, understanding their legal rights and pursuing a wrongful death or personal injury claim is essential. The compensation secured through these claims can help cover medical expenses and funeral costs and provide some measure of justice for the lives lost due to the reckless actions of an impaired driver.
What Can Families Can Do After a Fatal DUI Accident in Maryland?
Losing a loved one in a DUI accident is a heart-wrenching experience, but families in Maryland have legal options to seek justice and compensation. Under Maryland law, the surviving family members of DUI crash victims can pursue wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver. These claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss.
In addition to wrongful death claims, Maryland law allows for survival actions, which enable the estate of the deceased to seek damages for the pain and suffering the victim endured before death. These legal avenues can help families secure the financial support they need during such a difficult time.
How Maryland Law Handles DUI Manslaughter Cases
Maryland takes DUI manslaughter cases very seriously. When a driver’s impairment leads to the death of another person, the driver can face severe criminal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. However, the criminal justice system addresses only part of the harm caused by DUI accidents. Families also have the right to pursue civil claims to hold the at-fault driver financially accountable for their actions.
Under Maryland law, a driver convicted of DUI-related manslaughter may still be sued in civil court. The outcome of the criminal case can significantly impact the civil claim, particularly if the driver is found guilty. A guilty verdict can be used as evidence of negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit, potentially leading to a favorable settlement or judgment for the victim’s family.