Why a Woozy Driver Can Warrant the Need of a DUI Lawyer
When someone is injured in Maryland because of a negligent and “woozy” driver, it may be in the injured person’s best interest to enlist the help of a reputable Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyer.
Alcohol is a substance many people use to help calm their nerves. It can be a component of get togethers with friends or family. When it comes to drinking and driving, even having a drink or two can cause enough of an impairment to hinder someone’s ability to drive safe. Someone who does this can be charged with a DWI, which means driving while intoxicated or impaired. Even people who drive while woozy can be risking an arrest and putting others on the road in danger. Not only may someone be taking the chance of causing a crash, but may also wind up having to endure the grief and guilt associated with seriously harming an innocent driver.
In the article here, we have provided a little more information about what it means to have a DWI charge, the differences between DWI and DUI, and what you can do if you want to seek justice for being hit by a woozy driver, with the help of a Montgomery County, DUI lawyer.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI?
Those who have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level that exceeds 0.08 percent, can be arrested for a DUI. In Maryland, a DWI is a similar but lesser charge that is typically given for a BAC of 0.07 – 0.079. Additionally, someone who is pulled over and takes a breathalyzer test which is under the legal limit, may still be arrested but as a DWI instead of a DUI charge.
What if someone passed a breathalyzer, but may be influenced by another drug?
If an officer is suspicious that a person is impaired due to an unknown substance despite having passed a breathalyzer test, they can still arrest the individual for a DWI. The consequences for a DWI can be similar to a DUI, in which the person likely has their license suspended, faces expensive fines, and perhaps jail time too.
Even if someone is not convicted of a DUI or DWI, they may still be liable for the damages they caused to another person and/or property. A good way to start learning about your rights when you have been injured by a driver who was under the influence is by discussing the specifics of your situation with a Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyer.
What should I do if I see someone driving oddly on the road?
Never be afraid to call the police if someone is operating his or her vehicle in a very peculiar or threatening way. It is possible the driver is impaired or intoxicated, and needs intervention from an officer. Do keep in mind that you should never risk your own safety in order to help apprehend the driver. Stay far enough enough away that you are not within harm’s reach if the driver was to get out of control. Try to get the license plate number, car type and which direction he or she was going, but do not take matters into your own hands.
Reporting a suspicious driver may help to prevent innocent people from getting injured and having the need for a Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyer.
I was hit by an intoxicated driver, now what should I do?
Innocent drivers who were hit by an intoxicated driver should consider meeting with a Montgomery County DUI lawyer or one from someplace else in MD, right away. It is not fair that you or a loved one suffered the consequences of another person’s poor judgment. Depending on the crash details, you may be able to receive monetary compensation from the driver at-fault for the following:
- Loss of pay from missing work
- Costs to get your car fixed
- Expenses for medical bills
- Other damages or losses related to the crash
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with a driver who was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact a highly rated Montgomery County, DUI lawyer at Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation today.
Common Brain Injuries from Car Accidents Caused By Drunk Driving
Brain injuries are one of the most serious types of injuries that result from car accidents caused by drunk driving. Some of these injuries may be fairly minor while others are life-threatening. Here are the common types of brain injuries sustained from car wrecks.
- Concussions. Concussions are head injuries that occur from a sudden change in movement and can range in severity. Common symptoms of these injuries include loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, vomiting, difficulty concentrating and confusion.
- Contusions. As a Montgomery County MD DUI lawyer can confirm, concussions can also occur in car accidents caused by drunk driving. They lead to a bruise on the brain and usually result from a direct impact on the head. Contusions are accompanied by several different symptoms, such as balance difficulties, slurred speech, cognitive changes and trouble concentrating.
- Coup-contrecoup. This type of brain injury occurs when the brain jerks quickly within the skull and most frequently results from rollover accidents. Both sides of the brain suffer damage that can result in symptoms, like bleeding in the brain, headache, swelling in the brain, memory issues, confusion, dizziness and skull fractures.
- Open head injuries. In an open head injury, an object penetrates the skull and then enters the brain. These head injuries are more likely to occur in high-speed car accidents and may require surgery to reduce pressure on the skull.
- Diffuse axonal injuries. Diffuse axonal injuries may result when a car stops suddenly upon impact when the brain isn’t moving as quickly as the skull. These head injuries are similar to concussions, but they’re far more serious.
What to Do After Suffering a Head Injury
If you were in a car accident caused by a drunk driver and suffered a head injury because of it, seek medical care immediately. Head injuries can lead to serious complications, especially if they are not treated promptly.
The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the type and severity of your injury. For example, if you have a minor head injury, your doctor may advise you to rest and take Tylenol for pain. On the other hand, if the injury is severe, you may require anti-seizures medications or diuretics. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases to prevent further damage to the brain.
Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyers have the insight you may need
Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyers know all too well that alcohol and other substances can cause body changes within ourselves in many ways, enabling us to perhaps feel more calm and less stressed. However, trying to operate a vehicle while impaired by any sort of drug can potentially put yourself and others on the road at risk for harm. Certain foreign substances that enter our body can lead to a decrease in overall functioning, including our ability to perform complex tasks and make sound judgements. The risks for an accident are high if someone gets behind the wheel while not in his or her normal state. Every so often we hear about tragic stories due to a driver being impaired while driving because of alcohol, a drug or other substance.
Hearing of such disasters can lead us to wonder exactly why people ever risk it by jumping into the driver’s seat while not sober. Here in this article, Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyers have delved into the issue of driving while impaired, and how you can respond if you are ever hit by a driver who made a judgement error.
Is driving while impaired (DWI) the same as driving under the influence (DUI)?
There is an actual charge called a DWI, which refers to situations in which a person is either under the influence of alcohol or some other drug and is deemed unfitted to continue driving by an officer. This driver could have a blood alcohol content (BAC) level which is below the legal limit of 0.08 percent, but can still be arrested for a DWI if their driving was careless.
How can someone prevent themselves from being tempted to drive impaired?
Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyers will likely recommend that if people know they are going to a party or celebration in which alcohol or other drugs will be there, they should make an effort to have a backup plan prior to their arrival. By making arrangements for another way home before becoming intoxicated, it can help prevent someone from making a horrible judgement error. Here are just a few alternative options for a safe way back home:
- Downloading and using a ride-sharing application on their phone
- Catching a ride with a friend who was designated to be the sober driver
- Calling an Uber, cab or loved one who was not at the party for a ride home
- Taking public transportation and picking up your car the next day
What if I was hit by a driver who was DWI, what should I do now?
Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyers will inform you that Innocent drivers who were hit by an impaired or intoxicated driver may suffer painful and costly injuries as a result of the crash. The victim of such a collision can meet with an attorney to find out more about his or her legal options. Pursuing a lawsuit against the impaired driver may be something to consider, in order to seek justice and financial compensation for losses. When meeting with an attorney, bring along all the paperwork you have related to your injuries, loss of pay from missing work, vehicle repairs, and other damages.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury from an auto accident with an intoxicated driver, do not hesitate to call Cohen & Cohen and we will be more than happy to set you up with skilled Montgomery County, MD DUI lawyers on our team.
