Baltimore DUI Accident Lawyer

When you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver, securing experienced legal representation is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve. A skilled Baltimore DUI accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process while you focus on recovery. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our family of attorneys has been serving Maryland residents for over 50 years, providing aggressive advocacy and personalized attention to victims of impaired driving accidents.

Understanding DUI Accidents in Baltimore

DUI accidents represent some of the most devastating and preventable crashes on our roads. According to the most recent available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for approximately 28% of all traffic-related deaths nationwide. In Maryland, these statistics remain troublingly high, with hundreds of alcohol-related crashes occurring annually in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.

The consequences of drunk driving accidents extend far beyond the initial collision. Victims often face extensive medical treatment, lost wages, permanent disabilities, and emotional trauma. These crashes frequently occur on major Baltimore thoroughfares such as Interstate 95, the Baltimore Beltway, and heavily traveled streets like Pratt Street and Baltimore Street in the downtown area.

Common causes of DUI accidents include impaired judgment, delayed reaction times, reduced coordination, and poor decision-making abilities that result from alcohol consumption. Drivers under the influence may also engage in other dangerous behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, or driving the wrong way on one-way streets.

Types of Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents

DUI accidents often result in severe injuries due to the high speeds and reckless behavior typically associated with impaired driving. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, and extensive soft tissue injuries. These injuries can require immediate emergency care at facilities like Johns Hopkins Hospital or University of Maryland Medical Center, both located in Baltimore.

The long-term implications of accident injuries often do not become apparent until months or even years after the initial occurrence. Our attorneys understand the comprehensive nature of these injuries and work with medical experts to evaluate the full extent of damages. This includes current medical expenses, future treatment costs, rehabilitation needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Beyond physical injuries, victims of drunk driving accidents frequently experience significant emotional trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are common psychological consequences that may require ongoing mental health treatment. Our legal team recognizes these damages as legitimate components of your claim and works to ensure they are properly compensated.

Legal Options for DUI Accident Victims

Victims of drunk driving accidents have multiple avenues for pursuing compensation. While the impaired driver faces criminal charges through the Maryland court system, these criminal proceedings do little to compensate victims for their losses. A civil personal injury lawsuit allows victims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.

Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard, which can complicate personal injury cases. However, when dealing with drunk driving accidents, the impaired driver’s clear violation of the law typically establishes liability. Our experienced trial attorneys know how to present compelling evidence of the defendant’s intoxication and its direct connection to the accident.

In some cases, additional parties may bear responsibility for a DUI accident. Bars, restaurants, or social hosts who serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals may face liability under Maryland’s dram shop laws. Our comprehensive investigation process identifies all potential sources of recovery to maximize compensation for our clients.

Why Choose Iamele & Iamele for Your Case

As a family practice operating for over five decades, Iamele & Iamele provides the personalized attention and aggressive representation that DUI accident victims need. Domenic Iamele brings extensive experience from his time as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted criminal matters from 1970 to 1975. Anton Iamele began his career as a clerk for Chief Judge Joseph F. Murphy, Jr. of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, gaining valuable insight into appellate review processes.

Our attorneys’ proven ability at trial has been key to the success of our firm in obtaining positive results for clients over the years. We understand that injury victims need strong, aggressive representation throughout the course of litigation, from the initial investigation through courtroom advocacy when necessary. Operating in the context of a small firm allows both Domenic and Anton Iamele to become personally involved in most aspects of each case.

We treat our clients with close, personal, and hands-on attention because this is how we would expect to be treated if seeking legal services ourselves. Our clients’ satisfaction and the outstanding results we have achieved on their behalf, including significant verdicts and settlements, demonstrate our commitment to excellence in legal representation.

Baltimore DUI Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after being hit by a drunk driver?

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Contact law enforcement to ensure the accident is properly documented and the impaired driver is arrested. Gather evidence if safely possible, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses and request a copy of the police report once it becomes available.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a DUI accident?

Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, and evidence preservation is crucial from the beginning. Contacting an attorney immediately after your accident offers the best chance of protecting your rights and building a strong case.

Can I recover compensation if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?

Yes, you may still have options for recovery. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for your injuries. Additionally, other potentially liable parties such as bars or social hosts who served the intoxicated driver may have insurance coverage. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate all possible sources of recovery.

What damages can I recover in a DUI accident case?

Victims may recover economic damages including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future treatment costs. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also recoverable. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior.

Will the criminal case against the drunk driver affect my civil lawsuit?

The criminal case and civil lawsuit are separate proceedings with different standards of proof. A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case by establishing the defendant’s guilt, but you can pursue civil compensation regardless of the outcome of criminal charges. Our attorneys coordinate with prosecutors when beneficial while independently building your civil case.

How much will it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?

Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. We offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options without any financial obligation.

What if the accident happened while I was a passenger in the drunk driver’s vehicle?

As an innocent passenger, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries regardless of your relationship to the impaired driver. You may recover damages from the driver’s insurance policy, other drivers involved in the accident, or your own insurance coverage depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Serving Throughout Baltimore

• Federal Hill
• Fells Point
• Canton
• Inner Harbor
• Mount Vernon
• Hampden
• Patterson Park
• Charles Village
• Butchers Hill
• Locust Point

Contact a Baltimore DUI Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, do not wait to seek legal representation. The experienced Baltimore DUI accident attorneys at Iamele & Iamele are ready to fight aggressively for your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve. We serve clients throughout Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s counties, offering evening and weekend meetings when necessary. Contact our firm today to schedule your free confidential consultation and discover how our two generations of legal experience can benefit your case.