Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
One person was recently killed in a Maryland motorcycle crash involving a suspected drunk driver, according to one news source. The crash occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. on southbound I-95 in Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland. According to law enforcement, the motorcycle was reportedly traveling southbound on I-95 when it was rear-ended by a car. The driver of the car continued traveling and crashed into a second vehicle. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car was taken into custody and charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
Filing a Claim After a DUI Crash in Maryland
Drunk driving remains an issue in Maryland, despite efforts to reduce drunk driving crashes. According to the most recent statistics, thirty-one percent of all driving fatalities in Maryland involved alcohol. Drunk drivers are subject to criminal penalties and license sanctions. First-time offenders in Maryland face a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year behind bars, license revocation for up to six months, and 12 points on their license. Repeat offenders (those who have received a DUI within a 5-year period) face a fine of up to $3,000, three years behind bars, a license suspension of one year and a mandatory ignition interlock device after the suspension is lifted.
If an individual has been injured in Maryland drunk driving crash, they may be able to file a claim against the driver and others who may bear responsibility for the crash.
How Can Accident Victims Hold Maryland Drunk Drivers Accountable?
In a claim based on negligence, an injured victim must show that the drunk driver acted negligently by driving drunk and that the negligent act caused the victim’s injuries. A criminal conviction for DUI may be useful in a civil case against the driver, but a criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil claim against a driver. Even if a drunk driver is not convicted of drunk driving, a civil claim may still be successful. A civil claim may be easier to prove, as there is a lower burden of proof than in criminal cases. Others may also be liable in addition to the drunk driver, such as a parent who provided alcohol to the driver or allowed the driver to drive drunk. Victims in DUI crashes may be able to recover damages in a civil case, which may include compensation for property damages, medical bills, wage losses, pain and suffering, and others.
Contact a Maryland Accident Lawyer to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you have been injured in a Maryland DUI crash or another type of accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The Maryland injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen LLC have represented personal injury victims in Baltimore and across the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region for over two decades. They handle a wide range of personal injury claims throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. and will do everything they can to get their clients what they deserve. For a free consultation, call them toll-free at 1-800-654-1949. You can also contact them through their online contact form.