Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Earlier this month in Nanjemoy, Maryland, one woman was killed in a traffic accident when another driver veered over the center line, colliding head-on with the woman’s car. According to a recent news report, the woman was both from Nanjemoy and a member of the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department for the past five years.
Evidently, the volunteer fire fighter was traveling southbound on Maryland Route 425 just after 9:00 pm. At some point, a northbound Chevy Silverado inexplicably crossed over into her lane and collided with her vehicle head-on. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the Silverado was taken to the hospital, although his injuries were much less serious and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Police told reporters that the driver of the Silverado failed to stay in his lane and crossed over the center line. They also told reporters that they believe alcohol played a role in the fatal accident. Charges against the driver of the Silverado are still pending.
Drunk Driving on Maryland Roads
Drunk driving accidents comprise roughly a third of the fatal accidents that occur on Maryland roads. Also in the top three causes of fatal accidents are speeding and distracted driving. Drunk driving, however, differs from the other two causes because a driver’s blood-alcohol concentration can usually be determined objectively after the accident. Even in cases where police suspect that speed was a factor, they can not always be sure how fast a car was traveling.
Blood-alcohol concentration can be readily determined after an accident—unlike trying to prove someone was speeding or distracted—through direct evidence, i.e., the blood tests. These tests, if properly administered and admitted into evidence, can go a long way in helping an accident victim prove their case against the responsible party.
Recovering Financially After an Accident
When a drunk driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for all the damages caused by their decision to drink and drive. This could include amounts for an injury victim’s past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages while recuperating, and decrease in earning potential after recovery, as well as the pain and suffering endured by the victim. In some cases involving especially egregious behavior, an accident victim may also recover punitive damages from a reckless defendant.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a serious DUI accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you cover the mounting medical bills and other expenses related to being the victim of a serious accident. However, keep in mind that, even though you are a victim in the situation, insurance companies will almost certainly fight the case in hopes of avoiding legal and financial liability. Don’t let an insurance company push you around. Call one of the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation to discuss 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.