Can You Still Sue a Drunk Driver Who Was Acquitted of DUI?
Drunk driving is a serious offense that can cause severe injury or even death to innocent individuals. You need to understand your rights if you have been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. If the drunk driver who caused the accident was acquitted of DUI charges, you might be wondering, “Can I still sue them in civil court to recover damages?”
Our Frederick attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP know how frustrating a car accident can be, especially when it was caused by an intoxicated driver. We can help you understand your options for compensation to ensure that you are fairly compensated through a settlement or verdict.
Signs of Drunk Driving
It is important to recognize the signs of drunk driving before you get on the road. Here are the most common signs:
- Weaving or swerving between lanes
- Driving too slowly or too fast
- Struggling to stay in a lane
- Delayed reaction times
- Erratic braking or accelerating
- Driving with headlights off at night
If you notice any of these signs, keep your distance and report the driver to the authorities to prevent potential accidents. If the accident has already occurred, you need to understand your options for compensation.
The Impact of Intoxication on a Driver’s Ability to Operate a Vehicle
Alcohol consumption can severely impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It can impact a driver’s vision, judgment, reaction times, and coordination. This can result in serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, which is why drunk driving is strictly prohibited by law. According to Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the state of Maryland is .08% as in other states.
Can You Still Sue a Drunk Driver Who Was Acquitted of DUI?
The short answer is yes. Just because a driver was acquitted of DUI charges does not mean they cannot be held liable for damages in a civil case. In fact, the standard of proof required is much lower in a civil case than in a criminal case. This means that even if the driver was not proven guilty of DUI beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal court, they can still be found liable in civil court if there is enough evidence to support the claim.
The Standard of Proof in Criminal vs. Civil Cases
In criminal cases, the standard of proof required is called “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that the prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the standard of proof required is a preponderance of the evidence. This means that the evidence must be more likely to be true than not true. This lower standard of proof makes it easier for a plaintiff to win a civil case against a defendant who was acquitted of DUI charges.
How to Sue a Drunk Driver Who Was Acquitted of DUI
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver who was acquitted of DUI charges, you can still sue them for damages in a civil case. To do so, you will need to gather evidence to support your injury claim, such as witness testimonies, police reports, and medical records. It is equally important to hire a skilled attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Want to Get Compensation? Contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP
If the drunk driver who caused your injuries and damages in a DUI accident was acquitted of criminal charges, you might still be able to recover damages by suing the driver. Let our attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve through a settlement or a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver. Call 800-248-3352 to get a case review.
Source:
mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/maryland-impaired-driving-laws.aspx
