Driving while impaired (DWI drivers) are responsible for numerous accidents every year any DWI lawyer Greenbelt, MD trusts can tell you. Even more people get away with driving after taking drugs or drinking alcohol than are caught. Some are guilty of DWI and are charged with it, but for any number of reasons they are not convicted. Whether they are convicted or not, if they injured you through their negligence or carelessness, they might be legally obligated to reimburse you for your damages. To learn how we might be able to assist you in this, call a law firm near you to request a free consult with a DWI lawyer who can provide you with more information.
Why Driving While Tipsy Is Still Dangerous
DWI lawyers Greenbelt, MD residents rely on know all too well that those who decide to drink may go through various stages during their intoxication. Perhaps the first step of being under the influence is when someone starts to feel “tipsy.” If a person gets behind the wheel and is tipsy but not outright drunk, they can still be putting themselves and others on the road at risk for a terrible accident. Alcohol can cause body changes and function impairments which may lead to a person driving in a reckless manner. In the article to follow, we have talked more about how tipsy driving can still be quite dangerous, and what you can do if you are hit by a careless driver.
What kind of body impairments occur when someone drinks alcohol?
According to DWI lawyers from Greenbelt, MD, as someone drinks alcohol, he or she can start to have significant physical and cognitive impairments. The feeling of “loosening up” and relaxing is part of the appeal for many when it comes to drinking. However, getting behind the wheel when still in a state of intoxication will likely not cause the drive to be more peaceful. When people drink, they should remain at their current location until having waited a safe number of hours for the body to process through the alcohol completely. When people overestimate their abilities and drive while tipsy, tragedy may ensue. Below, skilled and experienced DWI lawyers in Greenbelt, MD have given you a few signs and examples of impairments associated with someone who is tipsy:
- Doing or saying things they would not normally have
- Decrease in sense of caution
- Losing ability for performing complex tasks
- Loss of fine motor coordination
- Slurred speech, sometimes too loud or fast
- Unbalanced walking
- Glossy appearance of eyes
- Heavy sweating
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Losing consciousness for a brief or extended period
- Blurry or double vision
- Decrease in ability to reason
What should I do if I get hit by a driver who is under the influence?
In the event you are ever involved in a crash due to a drunk driver, DWI lawyers in Greenbelt, MD will strongly suggest that you call 9-1-1 immediately and request assistance. An officer can handle the situation and make an arrest if needed. Then, an emergency medical team can evaluate you for potentially life-threatening injuries. Once you have been deemed stable and are starting to feel better, you may want to meet with an attorney for advice. You may have suffered not only physical injuries, but financial damages as well. The costs for emergency care and medical treatment can be expensive and easily put a victim in heavy debt.
If I make an appointment with an attorney, what information should I gather?
After scheduling a meeting with DWI lawyers Greenbelt, MD residents count on, you may be wondering what you can do to help be more prepared for the consultation. Request copies of doctor’s exams, treatments, diagnostics, and all other paperwork related to your accident injuries. You may also want to gather proof of the crash, including the official incident report, any pictures taken at the scene, or witness contact information. The more details you have for the attorney, the better.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of an auto accident with an intoxicated driver, it may be in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen to set up your free consultation with DWI lawyers Greenbelt, MD is proud to have in its midsts.
A DWI Criminal Conviction
A skilled DWI lawyer Greenbelt, MD residents rely on will likely inform you that if the other driver is convicted of a DWI and you have not yet filed a personal injury claim to recover your damages, it can be beneficial to include court records that document the conviction. This is because their DWI likely contributed to causing the accident, or it may lend to establishing a pattern of their negligent or careless behavior. Your DWI lawyer will have an informed opinion as to how the other driver’s DWI conviction might impact your personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Claim
When someone is injured in an accident that they did not cause, and they were injured as a result, they can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A DWI lawyer Greenbelt, MD residents turn to should have helped thousands of injured drivers and passengers get the compensation they deserve from those who hurt them. In some cases, when the driver had insufficient insurance or the insurance company denied our client’s claim, we pursued litigation. A lawsuit is not usually our first choice because it can take longer to resolve than an injury claim. It can also cost more and not necessarily result in a fair award to our clients. However, sometimes it is necessary. Seek out experienced litigators who are not afraid to aggressively pursue justice for their clients.
Civil Lawsuit
When a DWI driver does not have insurance, it may be necessary for a victim to file a lawsuit against them to recover damages after sustaining a serious injury. If the DWI driver does not own valuable assets that are substantial enough to cover the costs of a trial, it may not be worthwhile to pursue this option. Talk to a DWI lawyer Greenbelt, MD residents rely on to learn more about your legal options after someone has injured you in an accident.
When You Need an Experienced DWI Lawyer
If you were the driver or passenger of a vehicle that was involved in an accident that another driver caused, you may be entitled to receive compensation from them for your injury costs. Medical treatment can be prohibitively expensive, and you should not have to pay for it when you are not at fault. Call a trusted law firm today to speak with a DWI lawyer who can review your case at no charge and let you know if we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has suffered from a DWI accident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen who will set you up with a DWI lawyer Greenbelt, MD is proud to have in its midsts.
