Posted in Injury
A traffic stop on the Capital Beltway turned dangerous in August when an impaired driver struck a Maryland state trooper, pinning him between two vehicles. The trooper survived and was released from the hospital that day. The crash is a stark reminder of how fast an impaired driver can put others in harm’s way.
What Happened in College Park
Just before 1 a.m., a trooper from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack had stopped a vehicle on the inner loop of I-495 near Route 1. Both patrol cars had their emergency lights on. A Dodge Charger then struck the rear of one patrol vehicle, setting off a chain reaction that pinned the trooper between his car and the stopped vehicle. He freed himself and was taken to the hospital, treated, and released. The driver was charged with impaired driving and other offenses.
Why Impaired Driving Crashes Cause Serious Harm
Impaired drivers react slowly, misjudge distance, and often fail to stop in time. The result is frequently a hard impact on someone who never saw it coming. These crashes are also preventable, which is part of what makes them so hard on victims and families.
The Roadside Danger
Maryland law already accounts for this risk. Under Maryland’s Move Over law, drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on must change lanes when they safely can, or slow to a safe speed. The rule exists to protect troopers, tow operators, and stranded drivers. When a driver ignores it, or is too impaired to follow it, the people standing at the roadside have nowhere to go.
Criminal Charges and a Civil Claim
A criminal case and an injury claim are not the same thing. The criminal charges aim to hold the driver accountable to the state. An injury claim is how an injured person seeks compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses. The two move on separate tracks, and a victim does not need a conviction to pursue a claim.
What to Do After a Crash With an Impaired Driver
If an impaired driver hurt you, a few early steps can protect both your health and any claim:
- Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Make sure the crash is documented in a police report
- Photograph the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries
- Keep records of treatment, mileage, and missed work
- Hold off on recorded statements until you have advice
Help From a College Park Injury Lawyer
Recovering from this kind of crash is rarely simple. A College Park injury lawyer can deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence while it is fresh, and account for the full cost of an injury, including effects that surface weeks later.
If an impaired driver injured you or someone close to you, a College Park, MD injury lawyer can explain your options and handle the claim while you focus on healing.
No one expects a roadside stop or a quiet drive to end in a hospital visit. If you were hurt by an impaired driver, reach out to talk through what happened and what your next steps could be. The attorneys at Cohen & Cohen represent injured people across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, and know how impaired driving cases tend to unfold.
