Your life changed in an instant after a crash caused by a drunk driver. As you face medical bills and time away from work, you want to know how to hold the intoxicated driver accountable.

The experienced Maryland drunk driving accident lawyer team at Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum understands the devastating impact a DUI crash can have on injury victims and their families. We're here to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Here are the steps to take after a drunk driving accident.

Prioritize Your Health and SafetyDrunk Driver in Maryland

Immediately after a drunk driving crash, your top priority should be seeking medical attention for yourself and anyone else who is injured. 

  • Call 911. Even if your injuries seem minor, it's crucial to have emergency responders document the accident scene and conduct field sobriety tests on the drunk driver.

  • Accept medical transport. Let the ambulance take you to the nearest emergency room for a complete evaluation. Shock and adrenaline can mask serious injuries like brain trauma or internal bleeding.

  • Follow your treatment plan. Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and complete all recommended therapy. This protects your health and strengthens your injury claim.

  • Watch for delayed symptoms. Not all drunk driving injuries are immediately apparent. In the days after the crash, monitor yourself for headaches, dizziness, memory problems, abdominal pain, and other warning signs.

  • Keep your medical records. Request copies of emergency room reports, imaging scans, surgical notes, and other medical records. Save these documents to connect your injuries to the drunk driving accident.

Document Evidence to Support Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Preserving evidence from the crash scene lays the groundwork for your injury claim. If possible, take these steps to document what happened:

  • Photograph the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible intoxication signs exhibited by the drunk driver.

  • Identify witnesses. Ask bystanders for their names and contact information. Their testimony about the drunk driver's behavior or statements can significantly bolster your case.

  • Request a copy of the police report. The responding officers will generate an official report detailing their observations. Obtain a copy to support your claim.

  • Track expenses. Keep a file with medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, pay stubs showing missed work, and other documentation of your drunk driving accident losses.

Understand Drunk Driving Liability in Maryland

Maryland law takes a harsh stance against drunk drivers. In addition to criminal penalties, intoxicated drivers are civilly liable for the injuries and damages they cause. As an injured victim, you can seek compensation through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits.

Maryland also applies a legal doctrine known as negligence per se to drunk driving accident cases. Under this rule, the drunk driver is automatically considered negligent if they violated the state's DUI laws. This shifts the burden of proof to the drunk driver to show that their intoxication did not cause the crash, which is a challenging task.

When a drunk driver causes a fatal accident, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This allows the estate and beneficiaries to recover damages for the deceased individual's final medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of care and companionship.

Pursue Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident

Depending on the circumstances, you may have several options for seeking compensation after a DUI crash:

  • The drunk driver's auto insurance. If the drunk driver carries liability insurance, you can file a third-party claim with their carrier. However, drunk driving exclusions or low policy limits may restrict your recovery.

  • Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you have this no-fault coverage, it can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

  • Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the drunk driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient coverage, you can use your UM/UIM policy.

  • A personal injury lawsuit. If insurance is unavailable or inadequate, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. You can seek a broader range of damages, including pain and suffering, through litigation.

Work With a Maryland Drunk Driving Accident LawyerDrunk Driving, Car Keys, and A Gavel

Drunk driving accident cases are legally complicated and fraught with emotion. Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make after a DUI crash. Consider the following:

  • Relevant experience. Look for an attorney who has specific experience handling drunk driving accident claims.

  • Investigative resources. Drunk driving accident cases often demand an in-depth investigation. Choose a law firm with the resources to uncover critical evidence to support your claim.

  • Trial skills. While most drunk driving accident claims settle out of court, your lawyer should have the trial skills to fight for you in the courtroom if needed.

  • Reputation and reviews. Research the law firm's reputation in the legal community and read reviews from past clients.

  • Personal connection. Choose an attorney who listens to your story, answers your questions, and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a DUI crash can take on your life. Our experienced legal team is here to handle every aspect of your claim, from dealing with the insurance companies to representing you in court if needed. We work to help you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve. Contact our compassionate and experienced team today.