When you are injured as a result of a drunk driver in Maryland, it can be devastating. Unfortunately, these matters can be incredibly difficult to navigate, which is why it’s in your best interest to work with Baltimore County drunk driving accident attorneys to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters if you are hurt by a driver charged with a DUI and how our team can help.
What Constitutes a DUI?
In Maryland, someone can be charged with driving under the influence if they are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration at or over the legal limit of 0.08%. However, those with a BAC less than the legal limit can face a DUI if the police believe the amount of alcohol in their system inhibited their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Common signs of intoxication include slurred speech, difficulty concentrating, poor balance, lack of coordination, flushed face, and bloodshot or glassy eyes.
Unfortunately, when someone gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, it can have serious side effects. For example, they may lack the coordination necessary to safely drive a car. Additionally, those under the influence experience a decrease in their judgment and reflexes, meaning they may engage in more risky behavior while being unable to avoid hazards. You’ll also find that alcohol can increase drowsiness, which can lead drunk drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel.
What Should I Do if I Believe the Driver Who Hit Me is Intoxicated?
If you have reason to believe that the driver who struck your vehicle is under the influence, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. The most important thing you must do in this instance is contact emergency services to request a police presence and emergency medical technicians to the scene of the accident. You should inform the operator that you believe the other driver is intoxicated, so they can inform the police before they arrive. Additionally, even if you feel okay, it’s in your best interest to establish medical care as soon after the accident as possible.
While you must exchange insurance with the other driver, you may want to wait until the police arrive to ensure the information you receive from them is correct. This is especially true if the other driver is belligerent or uncooperative.
When the police arrive on the scene, they will determine if the other driver appears to be under the influence. If the police suspect that they are, they will likely administer a breathalyzer to obtain the other driver’s BAC. If they are at or over the legal limit or the police determine the amount of alcohol in their system inhibits their ability to drive, they will be charged with a DUI.
Navigating a claim against a driver who was under the influence at the time of an accident can be difficult. As such, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi. Our firm understands the impact an accident can have on your life, which is why we will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.