Lutherville Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Maryland has fewer drunk driving deaths than most states. Still, for the families of those killed in these senseless and tragic crashes, each one of those collisions is life-altering and devastating. Given that everyone knows that drunk driving is dangerous, there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Of course, in addition to those who lost their lives in crashes with alcohol-impaired drivers, there are many more who suffered serious injuries in such wrecks. Car crash injuries can leave victims maimed, paralyzed, or otherwise seriously harmed in ways from which they may never fully recover.
If you suffered injuries because of a drunk driver in Lutherville, Maryland, you could be entitled to recover compensation. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact the experienced car crash attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP. Our lawyers work with clients injured in devastating car crashes and know how important it is for families to collect compensation in those cases. The medical bills and lost wages can strain individuals and their loved ones even as the physical pain and emotional stress take their tolls.
Call the Lutherville, Maryland, car accident attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today at 410-769-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
Proving Negligence in Drunk Driving Cases in Lutherville, Maryland
Personal injury cases are typically based on the theory of negligence. In such claims, the injured person must prove that the one who caused his or her injuries owed a duty to the injured person, did not act as a reasonably prudent person, and breached the duty owed to that injured individual.
When it comes to driving, all motorists owe others on the road, be they other people in vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians, a duty of care. In the case of drunk drivers, proving negligence is often easier. The fact that a motorist got behind the wheel drunk or impaired is enough to show a lack of prudence. Furthermore, when a person violates a law intended to keep people safe, the defendant can be considered “negligent per se.” A drunk driver will not have a good argument to claim that he or she was not negligent, which will make for an easier claim for the victim.
However, Maryland law makes negligence claims slightly more challenging because it will not allow a person to recover damages if they were partly to blame for the crash. For instance, if a driver was making a left turn and cut into the path of another motorist, that person will typically be liable. However, if the driver in the other car was traveling significantly above the speed limit, there is a chance both drivers will be considered partly at fault. In such a case, most states would apportion the liability to the parties in percentages. An injured person who was only 20 percent at fault could still recover 80 percent of the damages.
In Maryland, a partially liable person will not have the opportunity to recover damages.
If a drunk driver injured you in Lutherville, Maryland, contact an attorney to determine whether you can recover damages for your injuries.
How Long do I have to File a Claim in Lutherville, Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations will prevent drivers from recovering damages if that person waits too long to file his or her claim. The statute allows people to file up to three years after the incident. However, when it comes to filing a claim against a drunk driver, it is not a good idea to wait to contact an attorney. Once you hire an attorney, he or she will need time to develop your claim and possibly negotiate a settlement. Furthermore, after the crash, you will likely be dealing with insurance companies who may be trying to contact you to settle, often for a minimal amount. Hiring an attorney earlier in the process means that you have a representative who will handle those calls and ensure that no one takes advantage of you.
What are the Damages I Can Collect in a Lutherville, Maryland Drunk Driver Claim?
If a drunk driver injured you in Lutherville, Maryland, you could collect damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You will have medical bills and know how much money you lost by missing time at work. You can also come up with an estimate of future treatment costs and future lost earnings.
In terms of pain and suffering, the numbers are often based on a multiplier of the calculable damages. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering can often add up to more than the economic damages for a claim.
Contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP Today
If you were injured in a Lutherville, Maryland drunk driving crash, contact the experienced attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP at 410-769-5400 to discuss your claim and legal options. Our dedicated and compassionate team of personal injury lawyers are ready to help.
