Bethesda DUI Accident Lawyer

Did you know that every day almost 30 people in the USA die in drunk-driving crashes? Drunk driving crashes can lead to catastrophic injury, and in some cases can be fatal.  If you or a family member were involved in a DUI-related car accident, call (888) 291-6445 to speak to an experienced  Bethesda DUI accident attorney as soon as possible. They will fight tirelessly so that you receive the compensation you or your loved one deserves.

Common Injuries in DUI Accidents

Below are some of the most common injuries of a DUI accident:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Concussion
• Neck injury, including whiplash, trachea, and larynx injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries, including organ damage
• Leg and knee injuries
• Sprains
• Burns
• Paralysis
• Chest injury
• Death

These injuries, especially catastrophic injuries like burns, TBI, and spinal cord injuries, can happen due to the impaired driver traveling at high speeds. The results of any of these injuries can be life-long and seriously impact the injured party’s ability to work, walk, speak, or otherwise enjoy the same lifestyle they had before the accident. A highly skilled Bethesda DUI injury lawyer will help them navigate the intricacies of personal injury law to obtain the greatest compensation possible for their situation.

Plaintiff vs Defendant

The Bethesda personal injury attorney you need to hire depends on your role in an accident. Most personal injury attorneys will only handle cases where the individual suffered injuries or died due to the negligence of the other driver who was driving drunk. For those individuals who caused the accident by being under the influence, often time, they have to seek help from a Criminal Defense attorney.

Tough enforcement of drunk-driving laws has been a major factor in reducing drunk-driving deaths since the 1980s. In the past two decades, driving under the influence is considered 100% illegal and police have the right to arrest those drivers they find violating the law. Charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, and penalties for impaired driving can include driver’s license revocation, fines, and jail time. It’s also extremely expensive. A first-time offense can cost the driver upwards of $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

Some States even require offenders to install ignition interlock devices at the driver’s own expense. An ignition interlock device is a breath test device connected to a vehicle’s ignition. The vehicle will not start unless the driver blows into the interlock and has a BAC below a pre-set low limit, usually .02 g/dL.

Statute of Limitations in a DUI Injury Case

In Maryland and Washington D.C. the statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit for an auto accident is three years from the time of injury. This means that anyone involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver has three years to contact an attorney and file a suit for their injuries. In Virginia, the victim has two years to file suit. Once the statute of limitations has passed, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to receive damages for a DUI accident injury. This is why it is incredibly important for someone to file, either for themselves or on behalf of an injured family member, as soon as possible after their accident.

How a Bethesda DUI Injury Attorney can Help

The first step is to determine who was at fault for the accident and if the rule of “contributory negligence” can be applied. An attorney will be able to review your case with you and help determine if there was any negligence from your end that provoked the accident. An attorney can also help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. While there are many factors that go into determining the value of the settlement, an attorney will take into consideration the medical expenses, loss of income, if there are any life-long disabilities, pain and suffering, among other factors.

Here at Malloy Law Offices, our Bethesda DUI Injury Attorneys know what it is like to have your life be flipped upside down due to someone’s negligence. We have over 15+ years of experience handling DUI accidents, which means we know exactly what goes into a trail and how to receive maximum compensation for you. Contact Malloy Law Offices, LLC as soon as possible for your free consultation.