Gaithersburg, MD DWI Lawyers
Even though a DWI is a lesser charge in Maryland than a DUI, if you have been injured in an accident involving a driver charged with either one of these, there is a good chance you will be able to benefit from the help of Gaithersburg, MD DWI lawyers.
What is the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI?
Many states do not differentiate between the terms DWI and DUI except that they will use one as the official name of a charge given to a driver who is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this sense, when someone says that they got a DWI, they could just as well have said that they got a DUI and it would mean the same thing.
In all 50 states, the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is set at 0.08%. A private driver who is found to be at or above this BAC may be arrested and charged with a DUI or a DWI. A commercial driver may be charged with a DUI or DWI if their BAC is found to be at 0.04% or higher.
In Maryland, the laws are slightly different and if you have been injured in an accident because of a negligent DUI or DWI driver, you may find beneficial to learn what your rights are from DWI or DUI lawyers in Gaithersburg, MD or ones who are licensed to practice in the state you were injured in.
What is the Difference Between a Maryland DWI Compared to a Maryland DUI?
Both DWI and DUI are criminal charges even though a DWI is for a lesser offense. The punishments and penalties are similar with lesser of these for a DWI.
A DWI may be given to a driver who has a BAC of 0.07% – 0.079%. This BAC is technically under the legal limit but when someone with a BAC in this range exhibits indications of impairment such as driving recklessly or failing a field sobriety test, they can face the criminal charges of a DWI. Sometimes a DWI charge can be escalated into a DUI charge.
A DUI is a more serious offense than a DWI and can be given to drivers who have a BAC of 0.08% or above.
Can You Get Compensation for DWI and DUI Accidents?
If you have been injured by someone who was driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence, or someone who was simply being negligent or reckless, DWI personal injury lawyers who are licensed to practice in Gaithersburg and throughout MD may be able to help you. You may be entitled to compensation for expenses that are the result of your injury.
There are many expenses that arise as the result of injuries that are not the DWI accident victim’s fault. The victim and their family should not have to pay for medical bills that are the result of the accident nor should they suffer from financial hardship for things such as loss of wages, loss of abilities, and loss of benefits, etc.
For Gaithersburg, MD DWI lawyers with a track record of successfully defending the rights of injured people and their families, contact Cohen & Cohen any time of the day or night to set up a free case evaluation.
