If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it may be beneficial to seek legal counsel from a DUI lawyer College Park MD accident victims can depend on.
At Cohen & Cohen, we’re proud to have a reputation throughout the state of Maryland for providing exceptional legal counsel when our clients need it the most. Car accident injuries can be catastrophic, especially when they are caused by a drunk driver. It’s important to know that there’s a local DUI lawyer College Park MD residents can recommend.
Accidents Involving Drugs and Alcohol
When a car accident involve one or more drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there is a higher chance that a victim in the accident may sustain very severe injuries. This is because drivers who are under the influence are more likely to be traveling at high speeds and making reckless decisions.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 28 Americans die every day in accidents that are caused by drunk drivers. Alcohol-related accidents that cause fatal injuries account for nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the U.S., and many of these fatal injuries affect children.
Drunk driving isn’t just catastrophic in terms of physical injuries and property damage; it’s also more expensive than you might realize. It’s estimated that the total annual cost of drunk driving collisions amounts to at least $44 billion, and it’s likely that this cost keeps rising each year.
DUI Laws and Personal Injury Claims
In every state it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances. Even though each state passes its own legislation defining the legal meaning of “driving under the influence,” each state considers .08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration level) to be the state of intoxication.
Every state has its own laws regarding drunk driving offenses, and these laws may change your legal options if you’ve been injured in a DUI-related crash. If you are hit by a driver who was intoxicated at the time of the crash, it’s more likely that a lawsuit or personal injury claim will be ruled in your favor. However, as a DUI lawyer College Park MD trusts might advise, it’s essential to understand that criminal court proceedings are separate from civil court proceedings.
Driving under the influence is considered a criminal offense but if you’ve been injured by another driver who was intoxicated, you’ll likely be focusing on obtaining compensation through an injury claim rather than through a criminal case. You may still be looking to hire a top DUI lawyer College Park MD can provide if you need legal counsel on obtaining financial damages through an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit.
Similar to other personal injury claims, a DUI lawyer College Park MD can produce might initially request a settlement for a client through an insurance provider. Another option is to seek financial damages through a civil court lawsuit.
Filing a Lawsuit After a DUI Accident
Some people initially assume that they’ll have to go to court if they file a lawsuit for a personal injury. However, a skilled College Park MD DUI lawyer would likely aim to reach a settlement before the matter goes to court. This is often accomplished through more informal procedures, such as mediation. It’s possible to represent yourself in these negotiations but it may be very advantageous to hire a DUI lawyer College Park MD has to offer to represent you.
Even though a settlement reached through negotiation may save time and money for both parties it’s still important to make sure that you don’t settle for an amount that is lower than what you deserve. Car accidents involving drunk or drugged drivers tend to have disastrous consequences because they often involve high speeds and reckless driving. A settlement for a minor injury might be just a few thousand dollars, while a settlement for life-threatening or disabling injuries could warrant hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments.
Accident victims often first negotiate with the insurance company who is responsible for providing compensation after an accident. You may find yourself seeking damages through a lawsuit if the total costs of the accident go above a certain limit on the other driver’s insurance policy or if the other driver does not have insurance.
There are many reasons why accident victims might choose to take legal action following an injury, and one of the more common reasons is simply to have enough money to cover medical costs and daily expenses. The total cost of an accident can be astronomical when you factor in long-term medical problems, lost wages, and other non-economic details. A settlement may help a victim and their family remain financially stable while recovering.
Cohen & Cohen: Where You’ll Find a DUI Lawyer College Park MD Residents Deserve
At our law firm, we understand that it can be very difficult to focus on recovering while also managing an injury claim. We have assisted countless local residents who sought legal counsel after being injured in an accident. If you’ve suffered physical harm due to the careless actions of another driver, we may be able to help you collect the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve.
At Cohen & Cohen, our team is proud to serve the local community of College Park. We offer free case evaluations to clients who wish to speak about their case in person with a DUI lawyer in College Park MD who understands the complexities of personal injury claims. We know that each case is unique and deserves the utmost care from a legal professional who is familiar with local laws.
For more information about our law firm, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with a top DUI lawyer College Park MD communities can trust, contact Cohen & Cohen today.
