Steps to Take if You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver in Maryland

Being involved in an auto accident is already a traumatic experience; however, when it is caused by a drunk driver, the situation could become even more severe and complex. Unfortunately, in Maryland, as in many other states, impaired driving accidents continue to be a significant issue and threaten the safety of other drivers and pedestrians.

After a drunk driving incident, the injured party might feel overwhelmed by the circumstances, including how to proceed to recover damages from the drunk driver at fault. The knowledgeable staff at Timothy A. Dachille and Associates understands the challenges of a personal injury, especially when it involves an impaired driver. Throughout our several years of experience handling drunk driving injury cases, we have identified some key steps that injured persons should take after a drunk driving accident in Maryland, which could help process toward securing fair compensation.

Contact Law Enforcement and Seek Medical Attention

Immediately following a drunk driving accident, your top priority should be to make sure you and your loved ones are in a safe area. This could mean removing yourself from the vehicle or remaining in the same position to avoid additional injuries. Once you believe you are in a safe position, contact law enforcement and emergency services to seek medical assistance for everyone involved and documentation of the accident by law enforcement.

Even if you believe you only sustained minor injuries or no injuries at all, you should still seek medical attention from a medical professional. The medical professional can document your status following the accident and ensure no injuries are present. Contacting law enforcement after a drunk driving accident is critical because they will provide key documentation for your legal claim and also administer chemical tests to any intoxicated driver as soon as possible following the accident.

Gathering and saving Evidence is Key Following an Accident

Drunk driving accidents can be overwhelming at first, and gathering evidence for a potential claim may not be at the top of the list of things you are thinking about. However, if you are physically able to, gathering evidence immediately after an accident can make the difference in securing the compensation that you deserve. One of the most common forms of evidence that can help your case is photographs of the accident’s circumstances, such as the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the scene of the accident. Visual records can present conclusive evidence that may not be disputed by insurance companies or opposing lawyers if the case proceeds to trial.

Another important thing to document following the accident is your recollection of the occurrence so it is fresh in your memory and likely to be more accurate. If noticeable, you should include specific details about the behavior of the drunk driver before, during, or after the collision. Following an accident, it is also critical to keep track of your medical appointments so the records can be requested and used to prove the severity of your injuries.

Know Your Rights Regarding Insurance

Unfortunately, Maryland does not have a dram shop law, which makes it very difficult to pursue compensation from the establishment that served the alcoholic beverages to the individual who caused the drunk driving accident. This makes it even more important to seek full recovery from the at-fault drunk driver under Maryland law.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is also a crucial element of a claim that you should be familiar with after an injury. For many personal injury cases in Maryland, if you fail to file your case within three years from the date of the accident you could forfeit your legal rights to compensation for your injuries.

Legal Representation Could Make the Difference

Injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents can affect you in the short term and continue to affect you after several years. Taking proactive steps after a collision can help you secure the compensation you deserve, but that may not be enough when dealing with insurance companies and opposing attorneys.

Hiring a knowledgeable Maryland personal injury attorney from TADLAW not only alleviates some of the burdens associated with pursuing a claim, but it could also make the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. An experienced drunk driving accident attorney from Timothy A. Dachille and Associates will advocate for your rights, conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation to get on the path to just compensation.