Drunk driving accidents are some of the worst traffic collisions to happen on the road. Victims typically suffer catastrophic, life-altering injuries. When a motorist gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they are putting everyone’s safety at risk including their own. Drivers must abide by the rules of the road, if they fail to do so serious collisions and injuries may result. If you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact a knowledgeable and qualified Prince George’s County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer who can help you recover reasonable financial compensation for your losses. Our firm is committed to helping our clients get back on their feet and recover reasonable damages.
How does alcohol affect an individual’s ability to drive?
Alcohol has damaging effects on a person’s brain activity. Alcohol is a depressant drug and therefore slows brain activity. It causes a person to have impaired vision, slowed reaction time, loss of motor skills, and lots of other critical skills needed to safely and responsibly operate a vehicle. All drivers on the road must be alert and attentive to respond to any rapid changes that occur. Alcohol can affect a person’s:
- Judgment
- Reaction time
- Coordination
- Comprehension
- Concentration
- Vision, hearing, and speech
- Risk-taking confidence
Alcohol consumption can cause an individual to have reduced and impaired abilities that are needed to operate a motor vehicle. Driving while under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense that will result in serious consequences. Even if a motorist only has one drink, it can seriously impact their ability to drive. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% is the legal limit in all states, however, even a BAC of .02% can affect an individual’s ability to drive. It is important that anyone who has consumed alcohol stay off the roads as they pose a threat to everyone’s safety on the road. In the unfortunate event, they do get behind the wheel while intoxicated, horrific collisions, injuries, and death.
What are Maryland’s dram shop laws?
In most states, dram shop laws are strictly enforced. Dram shops are essentially bars or any commercial establishment that serves alcohol. Dram shop laws help victims of drunk driving accidents hold the establishment that served the drunk driver liable for damages. Unfortunately, Maryland is one of the few states that does not enforce dram shop laws. However, motorists can still be held liable for their reckless behavior that resulted in injury. Victims of drunk driving accidents have three years from the date their injuries were inflicted to file a claim against the negligent motorist. If they fail to file a claim within those three years, they will be barred from ever doing so in the future. Drunk driving accident victims are entitled to financial compensation for damages. It is important to consult with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to another motorist’s negligence, reach out to one of our determined and qualified team members. Our firm is ready to fight on your behalf today.
