FAQ: DWI and Wrongful Death
If you have tragically lost a loved one because of an impaired driver’s negligence, it may be in your best interest to discuss your and your family’s rights with a DWI lawyer Frederick, MD DWI accident victims and their families can rely on.
When someone you love and care about has been taken away from you because of another person’s negligence, you may strive to do anything you can to ease your feelings of grief. When thinking about what happened, you might feel intensified emotional pain which causes you to avoid speaking to anyone about the accident. You might even be eager to sign documents and accept direct settlement offers so that you can begin to move forward.
Be wary of settlement offers without the advice of a lawyer if you lost a loved one because of an accident caused by a DWI driver in Frederick or another place in MD. While a settlement may seem good in your time of need and grief, a lawyer may be able to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve- rather than the compensation an insurance company might try to get away with.
As sad as it sounds, this is what insurance adjusters and the liable party want you to do. Defending parties are notoriously known for taking advantage of grieving victims. Fast, low ball settlements might be offered in addition to carefully worded statements that are cleverly convincing. The truth of the situation is that by speeding up the process without reviewing your case with a wrongful death DWI lawyer in Frederick or the place in MD where the accident occurred, you could lose out on fair and just compensation.
Despite the many consequences that come with driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people still make this incredibly dangerous decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and innocent people get hurt to the point of needing Frederick, MD DWI lawyers to help them seek compensation for their injuries. As a result of these negligent drivers, many other drivers on the road are put at risk for falling victim to an accident. Accident victims who have suffered at the hands of a drunk driver may look to make drunk drivers pay for this lapse of judgement:
How many people die in drunk driving crashes each year?
According to the CDC, car accidents involving drunk drivers account for 28% of all traffic fatalities. In the year 2016, nearly 10,000 lives were lost at the hands of drunk driving.
What do police look for in drunk drivers?
Drunk drivers pose serious risks to not only themselves, but others on the road. Police play an important role in helping to build safety on the roads. When a driver is behind the wheel, police may look for:
Irregular speeds
Swerving
Drifting from one lane to another
Avoiding traffic rules, especially traffic lights
In addition, once a police officer has pulled someone over, they are likely to look for the following signs:
Slurred Speech
Odor of alcohol on the breath
Constricted pupils
Lack of coordination with the body
When a suspected drunk driver has been pulled over a police officer may conduct a series of field sobriety tests and a Breathalyze to confirm that the driver has been drinking.
If you think that a driver that caused a car crash was intoxicated, it may be in your best interest to discuss your rights with Frederick, MD DWI lawyers.
If I am hit by a drunk driver, will they be charged with a DWI?
If a driver is caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than .08%, they may be charged with a DWI. If a driver is charged with a DWI following a car accident, their charge may raise in severity, making their charge an aggravated DWI. DWI convictions can mean a number of consequences for a driver. If a driver was driving under the influence, they will almost always be to blame for the accident. If you were injured by a DWI driver in Frederick, lawyers who are licensed to protect injured peoples’ rights may be able to help you.
How can I file a civil claim against a drunk driver who hit me?
If you suffered losses in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may look to make the person who harmed you pay for their behavior. Civil claims can be brought forth by accident victims to obtain compensation for the losses they have suffered at the hands of someone else. When the person who caused the accident has been charged or convicted of a DWI, victims may have a strong case for compensation. Frederick, MD DWI lawyers can work with you to determine whether you should pursue a settlement with the insurance company or a lawsuit.
How will lawyers help me in achieving positive outcomes?
lawyers can prove to be an invaluable asset when pursuing a car accident case against a drunk driver. Once they have reviewed your case and determined that key elements of personal injury are present, they will work with you to gather as much information as possible to help support your claim. Many Frederick, MD DWI lawyers not only know the ins and outs of the law, they also can help to value your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with insurance adjusters and the other parties’ lawyers.
The decision to get behind the wheel after indulging in alcohol can produce outcomes that may be irreparable. The injury and trauma faced from an accident can take years to heal from. In some cases, injuries may be irreversible and even fatal. For those looking to seek damages for their losses, and make drunk drivers pay for their mistakes, contact lawyers with experience of successfully defending injured people.
For highly rated Frederick, MD DWI lawyers, contact the dedicated team at Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation with no obligations.
Meet the Wrongful Death Lawyers from Cohen & Cohen
For years our firm has been handling personal injury and wrongful death claims. We know how difficult of a time this is for you, and understand that you don’t want to relive the situation. As a wrongful death lawyer, we strive to make the claims process as easy as possible. By choosing us to represent you and your family, please know that we will:
- Maintain communication with the liable party and their insurance company
- Take care of the complicated matters so you can focus on your healing
- Offer you a friendly shoulder to lean on
- Let you know what is going on with your case
- Investigate the accident so we know exactly what happened
- Use our resources to your advantage
- Build your case as if it were going to trial
- Settle for maximum compensation
- Handle your case on a no-win, no-fee basis
For a consultation with a DWI wrongful death lawyer who is licenced to practice in Frederick and throughout MD, please call our firm today.
What is A Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death happens when a person dies because of another person’s actions. An individual, group, company, or government entity can be held liable as long as there is evidence of the party intentionally or negligently causing injury or harm. A wrongful death lawyer may file a claim against a liable party who unintentionally harmed the deceased (i.e. accident). A claim may also be filed against a party who willfully acted violently towards the deceased when the violence resulted in their death. In the later situation, criminal charges could be filed separately. If the person who caused the death of your loved one has been charged or convicted of a DWI or DUI or for other criminal acts, you may still be able to seek compensation with the help of a personal injury lawyer in Frederick, MD.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death claims can typically be filed by one individual on behalf of everyone who was related to the deceased. Most states allow immediate family members including a spouse, partner, child, or parent to initiate the process. When a living spouse or legal partner exists, it will be him or her who should file the claim. If no surviving spouse exists, the children or their guardian can file a claim. If these parties are not present, other family members might pursue legal action. It should be noted that the person who files will not necessarily receive the full amount of a settlement or award. It is often up to the judge or wrongful death lawyer to determine the amount each family member will receive.
Have Your Questions and Concerns Answered Now
For a free consultation with a wrongful death DWI lawyer Frederick, MD families recommend, please call Cohen & Cohen any time of the day or week, any day of the year.
