Hyattsville, MD Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Knowledgeable Lawyer for Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Hyattsville, Maryland

A person's decision to drive while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have devastating consequences for others. Intoxicated drivers are likely to cause car accidents that can seriously injure other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Victims of drunk driving accidents often face long and painful recoveries, and their injuries can lead to financial burdens and emotional trauma.

At Kisner Law, we work to help victims of these accidents pursue justice through the civil court system and hold drunk drivers financially accountable for the harm they have caused. Attorney Jason Kisner provides aggressive legal representation while also giving his clients the personal attention they deserve and ensuring that they will not be left to navigate these challenges alone.

The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence

The use of alcohol or drugs can impair the brain's ability to function correctly. People may experience longer reaction times, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. As blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises, so does the risk of causing a crash. Maryland law prohibits driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, but drivers may still be impaired at lower levels depending on their tolerance for alcohol, their physical condition, and other factors.

Legal or illegal drugs can also affect a person's driving ability. Prescription medications with side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness can make drivers more likely to miss traffic signals or signs, drift into other lanes, fail to brake in time, overcorrect and lose control, or fall asleep behind the wheel. Controlled substances such as opioids, cocaine, or methamphetamines can have even more drastic effects on a person's ability to drive safely.

When a driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired, they put others at risk of injury or death in an accident. This type of conduct is not only reckless, but it is also completely preventable, and drivers should be held responsible for negligence that causes others to suffer harm.

Understanding the Limitations of Criminal Prosecution

While law enforcement and prosecutors may pursue criminal charges against a drunk driver, a criminal case will not address the personal losses suffered by a victim. Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are not typically considered during criminal proceedings.

To obtain compensation, a victim must pursue a separate civil claim. Even if a driver is found guilty of DUI or DWI, the victim must still establish that:

• The driver who caused the accidents was negligent or reckless.
• The driver's intoxication was directly responsible for causing the crash.
• The victim was injured or suffered financial losses or other damages as a result of the driver's negligence or recklessness.

Attorney Kisner works with victims to gather all necessary evidence and file claims within the applicable time limits under Maryland law. This includes reviewing the criminal case, securing accident reports, and gathering proof of the victim's losses.

How Victims Can Obtain Compensation After a Drunk Driving Crash

Drunk driving accident victims may be entitled to a wide range of damages through a personal injury claim. Attorney Kisner assists in recovering compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: All costs of medical treatment related to a drunk driving accident should be covered, including emergency room treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescriptions, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages: A victim should be compensated for the income they have lost due to the inability to work during their recovery, as well as any effects on their future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: A person may recover compensation for physical pain and the emotional toll caused by the crash and recovery process.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, additional damages may be awarded to punish a driver for particularly dangerous behavior. Drunk driving is often considered to be an egregious violation of the law, and damages may be awarded because a person knowingly engaged in behavior that they knew would put others at risk.

Attorney Kisner will thoroughly document each loss, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. He can evaluate insurance coverage and explore all potential sources of compensation, working to maximize the amount that a victim will receive.

Contact Our Hyattsville, MD Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer

When you have been harmed in a car accident caused by a driver who was intoxicated, you cannot rely on the criminal justice system alone to receive closure. Kisner Law can help you obtain the financial recovery you need to move forward. Attorney Kisner will stand by your side, working to hold the negligent driver accountable and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Call 240-459-0097 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.