What Should I Know about Car Accident Cases Involving Drunk Drivers?
If you or someone you love was injured by a Gaithersburg driver who was driving under the influence, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a Gaithersburg, MD DUI lawyer.
Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous. There are a number of legal consequences a driver may face for indulging in alcohol and/or drugs before getting behind the wheel. Not only does the consumption of alcohol put a driver at risk for an accident, this puts others at risk as well. The aftermath of an accident involving a drunk driver can be devastating. Not only may accident victims be forever impacted, the trauma from the accident may be tough to shake. Victims of drunk driving accidents face a number of questions that a Gaithersburg, MD DUI lawyer may be able to help you to answer.
How will a drunk driver be held accountable for the damage they have caused?
Drunk driving impacts not just the drunk driver but all of those involved in an accident. The repercussions a drunk driver faces can be vast, especially if the decision to get behind the wheel resulted in an accident. At the scene, a police office will conduct a number of sobriety tests to determine if the driver is under the influence. If it is concluded that the driver is impaired, they may be arrested and charged with driving under the influence, or a DUI. A conviction of this kind will come with a number of consequences such as fines, jail time, and license suspension, to name a few of the more common consequences. When an accident occurs, there can be very severe consequences for the driver, especially if a person is seriously injured or dies as a result of the accident. Legal consequences may result in both criminal and civil court proceedings.
Regardless of whether or not the negligent driver who caused your accident is facing criminal charges, a Gaithersburg, MD DUI lawyer may be able to seek compensation for expenses related to your accident.
Should I take legal action against the driver who injured me?
For accident victims, it can be difficult to sit with the fact that a person knowingly and intentionally engaged in an activity that brought harm to them. Accident victims may have the ability to recover compensation as a result. This may include bringing forth a case against the responsible driver but also the business that served them the alcohol. A civil case brought forth by a victim is completely separate from any criminal entanglements the drunk driver may face. It may be in your best interest to meet with a Gaithersburg, MD car accident lawyer for their assistance in navigating your civil case.
What do I need to prove my case?
In order to prove your case, you will need to gather evidence to support it. Your Gaithersburg, MD DUI lawyer will work with you to ensure that you have the right evidence to prove that the drunk driver was negligent and can be held liable for their actions. Relevant evidence can include:
- Photographs of the scene
- Photographs of your injuries
- Police Reports
- Witness Statements
- Medical Records
- Your Personal Account
Will a lawyer be able to help represent me in my case?
This depends on the details surrounding your case. You should consult with a Gaithersburg, MD DUI lawyer so that they can take the time to review the specifics. If a lawyer decides to take on your case, they can play a key role in helping gather evidence to support your case and represent you throughout the legal process.
Contacting a lawyer may be the best way to face a car accident case involving a drunk driver. Not only may the driver stand to face a number of criminal consequences such as a DUI conviction, you may hold them financially accountable for the damage they have caused you and your loved ones.
For a highly rated Gaithersburg, MD DUI lawyer, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case consultation and evaluation.
