Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving continues to be one of the most preventable causes of serious injury and death on Maryland roads. Despite strict DUI laws and ongoing public safety campaigns, intoxicated drivers cause thousands of crashes each year that leave victims with life-altering injuries and staggering financial losses. The Baltimore drunk driving accident lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and help victims recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment significantly reduce a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Reaction times slow, judgment becomes impaired, and coordination diminishes—often resulting in catastrophic crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve a drunk driver. In Maryland, these accidents continue to claim hundreds of lives and injure thousands each year.
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Maryland is 0.08%, impairment can occur at lower levels, especially when mixed with prescription or recreational drugs.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
Impaired drivers often make unpredictable and dangerous mistakes that endanger everyone on the road. Some of the most common types of drunk driving accidents include:
- Head-on collisions caused by wrong-way driving
- Rear-end crashes from delayed reaction times
- Intersection accidents from running red lights or stop signs
- Pedestrian or bicyclist strikes in crosswalks or residential areas
- High-speed collisions on highways and interstates
Because alcohol-related crashes tend to occur at higher speeds or involve reckless maneuvers, the injuries are often more severe than in other types of car accidents.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Drunk Drivers
Victims of drunk driving crashes frequently face extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and internal injuries
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
These injuries can require years of rehabilitation and can permanently affect a victim’s ability to work or care for their family. Our firm ensures that every aspect of your damages—physical, emotional, and financial—is accounted for when pursuing a claim.
Proving Negligence in a Drunk Driving Accident
To succeed in a personal injury case, it must be proven that the other driver was negligent or reckless. In drunk driving cases, evidence may include police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage. Even if the at-fault driver was not criminally convicted, you may still have a valid civil claim for damages. The burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal cases, meaning compensation can still be obtained even if the driver avoids a DUI conviction.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong claim. We work directly with accident reconstruction experts and law enforcement officials to establish liability and maximize your recovery.
Compensation Available to Victims
Drunk driving accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the extent of their injuries and losses. This can include:
• Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
• Punitive damages in cases of extreme recklessness
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Maryland law allows victims to pursue both compensatory and punitive damages in certain cases, holding drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents
Do I have to wait for the criminal case to finish before filing a civil claim?
No. You can pursue a civil personal injury claim while the criminal DUI case is ongoing. The civil and criminal cases are separate, and you do not have to wait for a conviction to begin the process of seeking compensation.
Can I still recover damages if I was a passenger in the drunk driver’s vehicle?
Yes. Passengers injured in a drunk driving crash may file a claim against the driver’s insurance company. However, certain exceptions may apply if you knowingly entered a vehicle with an impaired driver. Our attorneys can review your case and explain your options.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our firm can help you navigate this process and ensure the insurance company treats your claim fairly.
Contact Our Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, we are committed to helping drunk driving accident victims seek justice and full compensation for their injuries. Our experienced attorneys handle every aspect of your case, from investigation and negotiation to litigation when necessary.
Call 410-779-6160 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
