What Does it Mean to Be Arrested for a DWI in MD?

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Wheaton, MD DWI Lawyer

Even though Maryland differentiates between a DUI and DWI charge, if someone has been in an accident involving a driver who is charged with either of these, it may be in their best interest to discuss their rights with a Wheaton, MD DWI lawyer.

Going out on the weekend with friends is a very common outing for many people. Having drinks and chatting can be way to unwind and let go of the stresses of life. However, life can become even more problematic when people risk the safety of themselves and others when driving while under the influence. Police officers are known to flock the streets especially during the weekend, to get drunk drivers off the road. If a person were to be pulled over on suspicion of being intoxicated, it is possible to be arrested for either a DUI or DWI.

When someone is hurt in an accident with someone who is charged with a DWI in Wheaton, the injured person may be able to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of an MD lawyer.

Most people are more familiar with what the acronym DUI stands for, versus a DWI. By definition, DWI means driving while impaired or intoxicated. This charge differs from a DUI in that the person may be below the blood alcohol content (BAC) legal limit, but can still be deemed unsafe to continue driving. Also, with a DWI charge the person may be impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

In the article here, we have offered advice as to how to handle a situation in which you encounter someone who may be either impaired or intoxicated while on the roadway. If you or someone you love has unfortunately been in an accident in Wheaton with a driver who was driving while intoxicated or driving while under the influence, it may be in your best interest to discuss your rights with a DWI lawyer who is licensed to practice throughout MD.

How can I tell if someone is driving while impaired or intoxicated?

When we are with someone in person, it can be much easier to determine whether they are sober or drunk. The majority of us have seen a person under the influence in real life at some point or another. However, when a person gets into the driver’s seat it can be more difficult to identify whether they are in fact under the influence. Signs that a person likely has drugs or alcohol in their system are listed here:

• Swerving within their lane or across multiple lanes
• Driving exceedingly fast and/or erratically
• Skidding around corners rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner
• Suddenly braking quickly or accelerating at undue times
• Drifting towards oncoming traffic only to jerk back last second
• Driving so slow that it arises concern

In Wheaton and throughout MD, if someone is injured because of someone else’s negligence such as when someone drives while intoxicated, the victim may be able to seek compensation for their injuries with the help of a DWI lawyer.

Should I call the police if someone is driving oddly?

You may want to consider calling 911 if a driver is operating their vehicle in a threatening or suspicious manner. This person could potentially harm another driver on the road, including themselves. Do what you can to memorize the license plate, vehicle type and what the driver looked like. The operator may also ask you which direction he or she was headed when you last saw them.

Should I meet with an attorney if I was hit by an intoxicated driver?

Those who have been hit by an intoxicated driver may want to consult with an attorney about how to seek justice for the collision. If you or a loved one was involved in such a crash, there may be hefty medical bills and other costs that need to be paid. You should not have to suffer the consequences of another driver who decided to take the risk of driving while not sober.

For a reputable Wheaton, MD DWI lawyer with over 35 years of successfully defending the rights of people who have been injured by intoxicated drivers, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation any time of the day or night.