Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Waldorf

Your Case Deserves a Fighting Chance

Drunk drivers cause thousands upon thousands of auto accidents across America each year. If you have been blindsided by one of these seemingly countless reckless drivers, then let Farmer & Klopfer in Waldorf know about it. Our team is comprised of experienced attorneys with a genuine passion for amplifying the voices of the wrongfully injured throughout our communities.

What sets us apart as real fighters for real people?

• Opened our doors in 1978
• Long history of successful case results
• Featured prominently by local newsgroups
• Praised by clients in honest testimonials

Your plate is likely already full after being hit by a drunk driver in Waldorf or a nearby community in Maryland. Our drunk driving accident lawyers are here to ensure it doesn’t get overloaded with more responsibilities associated with your claim or lawsuit. Count on us when the stakes are at their highest.

Your Civil Claim is Separate from Criminal Court

Many people assume that a driver who is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) will be sentenced to repay all the damages they caused to others in a drunk driving accident. Unfortunately, many people are incorrect in this assumption. The criminal justice system is deliberately separate from the civil court system that will accept your personal injury claim against the drunk driver. A conviction does not guarantee your claim will end in your favor, but it certainly doesn’t hurt your claim’s chances, either.

A portion of our team at Farmer & Klopfer works on criminal defense cases. When we accept a drunk driving accident claim for an injured plaintiff, we can use their unique backgrounds and insight to your claim’s advantage. We can review how the conviction was reached and the evidence that backed it to boost the argument used in your injury claim.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations on a drunk driving accident claim is three years after the date of the collision. A typical DUI criminal case will conclude in a matter of months or less. We can probably wait for the criminal case to end before filing your claim, which allows us to structure your civil claim around the available evidence and/or conviction.

How Does Alcohol Contribute to Car Accidents?

Alcohol affects driving in several ways:

• Impaired Judgment: Alcohol affects decision-making abilities, slowing down reaction times and impairing judgment. This can cause drivers to take risks they wouldn't when sober, such as driving at higher speeds or making reckless maneuvers.
• Reduced Coordination: Alcohol impairs motor skills and coordination, making it harder for drivers to control the vehicle. This can result in difficulty steering, braking, or maintaining proper lane position.
• Decreased Concentration: Alcohol consumption can lead to a lack of focus and concentration, making it difficult for drivers to pay attention to the road, traffic signals, and other vehicles.
• Slower Reaction Times: Alcohol slows down neural processing, affecting reaction times. This delay can be critical in situations where split-second decisions are necessary to avoid accidents.
• Vision Impairment: Alcohol can affect vision, causing blurred or double vision, reduced peripheral vision, and a slower ability to adjust to changes in light. This can make it challenging to see pedestrians, other vehicles, or road hazards.
• Increased Risk-Taking Behavior: Intoxicated individuals often display more risk-taking behavior and a false sense of confidence. They may believe they can drive safely despite impairment, leading to dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

The combination of these impairments drastically increases the likelihood of accidents. Drunk driving significantly elevates the risk of severe or fatal crashes, not only for the intoxicated driver but also for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers sharing the road.

A major piece of evidence we would like to be able to use for your drunk driving accident claim is the other driver’s recorded blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at the time of your crash. The higher the BAC level, the more alcohol would have been affecting that person’s ability to drive safely.

People with the following BAC levels usually experience the following issues while driving:

• 0.02: Slowed reaction time and become easily distracted.
• 0.04: Worsened visual acuity, foggy thoughts, and all previous issues.
• 0.06: Greatly slowed reaction time, difficulty driving in a straight line, and all previous issues.
• 0.08: Unpredictable driving, inability to measure speed and/or distance, and all previous issues.
• Above 0.08: Massively slowed reaction time, completely erratic speed and lane control, and all previous issues.

The BAC level of the driver that hit should have been recorded by the police officers who arrived at the scene of your accident. Our attorneys can help obtain that information, study it, and use it to raise the other driver’s liability as much as possible.

Dram Shop Law & Social Host Liability in Maryland

Although the drunk driver may be at fault for causing a crash, there are some circumstances in which a vendor or a third party is liable for contributing to the at-fault party's intoxication. In Maryland, both dram shop and social host liability laws hold individuals or establishments responsible for injuries caused by individuals who were served alcohol illegally or irresponsibly.

The Dram Shop Act allows injured parties to hold alcohol-serving establishments, such as bars, restaurants, or liquor stores, liable for injuries caused by an intoxicated person if certain conditions are met. To establish liability under the Dram Shop Act, it must be proven that the establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or under 21 years old, and this act of service directly led to the injuries.

Furthermore, social host liability pertains to individuals or hosts who provide alcohol at social gatherings, parties, or events. Maryland does not have specific statutes regarding social host liability, but liability may still apply under common law or specific circumstances. If a host provides alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor and that person causes an accident resulting in injuries, the host may be held responsible for the damages.

How to Prove Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident

Proving liability in a drunk driving accident involves several steps:

1. Evidence Gathering: Collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes photos of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage can also be crucial.
2. Police Report: If law enforcement responds to the accident, their report will document key details. It typically includes information about the drivers, witnesses, weather conditions, the officer's observations, and whether alcohol was a factor. This report can be essential in establishing liability.
3. Field Sobriety Tests and Breathalyzer Results: If the driver suspected of being under the influence was given field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test at the scene, those results can serve as evidence of intoxication.
4. Medical Records: Seek medical attention after the accident, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records can link injuries to the accident and establish the severity of damages. They might also note any signs of alcohol consumption in the injured parties.
5. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Testing: If there’s suspicion of drunk driving, obtaining the driver's BAC test results is crucial. This might involve subpoenaing records from the authorities if not readily available.
6. Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts can be powerful evidence. They can provide details about the driver's behavior, signs of intoxication, and how the accident occurred.

Lastly, seeking legal counsel specialized in personal injury or traffic law can greatly assist in navigating the legal process, ensuring the collection of crucial evidence, and presenting a strong case in court. Our legal team at Farmer & Klopfer is prepared to build a strong case on your behalf, hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions, and maximize your entitled compensation.

Get a free consultation with our team by dialing (301) 265-2220 now.