Hit By A Drunk Driver In Maryland?

Our attorneys can help you demand compensation for your losses

Car accidents caused by drunk drivers in Maryland are among the most serious accidents we deal with at our Silver Spring law firm. What’s especially frustrating about these accidents is they should never have happened.

The dangers of drinking and driving have been well-documented for decades. So, if someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking too much, there’s no excuse. That’s why it’s critical that drunk drivers are held accountable for their actions.

Our attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan know how to handle these complex legal cases. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or filing a lawsuit, we are prepared to do the work that needs to be done to secure the compensation you deserve.

Crashes involving drunk drivers are common in Maryland

One of the most frustrating aspects of crashes caused by drunk drivers is how common they are in Maryland and many other places. On average, more than one-third of all car accident fatalities in Maryland are caused by drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, according to accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Annually, drunk drivers cause an average of more than 1,900 car accident injuries in Maryland, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. That’s more than 5 drunk driving accident injuries each day statewide.

Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?

Like many states, Maryland has an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party is responsible for paying injury victims’ accident-related expenses. However, it’s often not the driver who caused your collision that’s responsible for paying your bills. Instead, it’s the at-fault driver’s insurance company that’s usually responsible.

Can I sue a drunk driver In Maryland?

The short answer? Yes, you can take legal action against a drunk driver. You might also be able to sue other parties depending on the circumstances of your crash. This could include the at-fault driver’s insurance company (especially if they deny your claim) or the business that sold alcohol to the driver.

Keep in mind that in Maryland, unlike in D.C. and Virginia, where a specific component of damages (punitive) or compensation is added, the fact that a driver is drunk never becomes a consideration in the courtroom. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.

The important thing to remember is you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action in Maryland. Specifically, you have three (3) years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations and can be found in Maryland Code Section 5-109.

But just because you have three years does not mean you should wait that long to pursue legal action. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong legal case.

Goldberg Finnegan fights for crash victims in Maryland

Claims involving drunk drivers in Maryland might seem straightforward. Someone was under the influence of alcohol and they caused your collision. Unfortunately, these accidents often turn into complicated legal cases.

Again, the fact that a driver is intoxicated does not become a factor considered within the courtroom proceedings, so it’s up to your lawyer to prove liability and demand the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys can help every step of the way. We know which legal strategies can be the most effective in these cases. We know how to deal with insurance companies and Maryland’s legal system. That’s why we consistently obtain sizable settlements or verdicts for injury victims.

Contact our Silver Spring law firm to find out how we can help you. Schedule your free case evaluation with an attorney focused on winning your case.