Washington, DC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Dedicated to Helping You Pursue Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident in Washington, DC

Drunk driving remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 13,300 people died in deadly car accidents in 2021 due to drunk drivers. The NHTSA also estimates that more than one-third of all fatal traffic crashes across the United States involve drivers who were impaired by alcohol.

At the Fay Law Group, P.A., we understand that drunk drivers can cause devastating accidents that lead to life-changing injuries. If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you should speak with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Washington, DC as early as possible.

Our team knows how to effectively challenge drunk drivers who cause car accidents. We anticipate insurance company tactics and pursue the compensation you deserve. As drunk driving accident attorneys in Washington, DC, we can help you recover and move forward with your life.

Let our dedicated drunk driving accident lawyer in Washington, DC, fight for you. Call our office today at (202) 589-1300 to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

What Is Considered "Drunk Driving" in Maryland?

In Maryland, drunk driving includes two main offenses: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Impaired (DWI). A DUI is charged when a driver operates a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. On the other hand, a DWI, which is a less severe crime, is charged when a driver has a BAC of 0.07%.

Maryland enforces a "zero tolerance" rule for underage drinking and driving. In this state, an alcohol concentration of 0.02% or more in an underage driver's breath or blood counts as impaired driving.

Drunk Driving Penalties

Penalties for impaired driving can be severe. For a first offense, a person may face up to a $1,000 fine and one year in jail. Penalties increase for repeat offenses, with possible fines up to $2,000 and longer jail terms.

Laws in the District of Columbia have their own standards and procedures for drunk driving, and drivers on DC roads must recognize local enforcement. In Washington, DC, for example, DUI conviction penalties may include license suspension and installation of ignition interlock devices. The Metropolitan Police routinely conduct sobriety checkpoints and patrols to deter impaired driving, especially during holidays and late hours.

These laws also cover driving while impaired by drugs or a mix of drugs and alcohol. In these cases, officers typically use field sobriety tests instead of BAC levels to measure impairment.

What Are the Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents?

Drunk driving accidents often result in life-altering consequences; not just for the impaired driver, but especially for the innocent victims involved. These crashes can leave survivors dealing with long-term physical, emotional, and financial struggles.

Here are some common outcomes for drunk driving accident victims:

• Severe injuries: Victims may suffer catastrophic harm, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability.
• Mental health impacts: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur due to the emotional trauma of the crash.
• Medical expenses: Costs can quickly escalate with emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment needs.
• Lost income: Victims may be unable to work for weeks, months, or permanently, resulting in serious financial hardship.
• Property damage: Vehicles may be totaled or require extensive repairs, adding to the overall financial toll.

If you or a loved one was involved in a drunk driving accident, it's essential to understand the full scope of potential legal and financial consequences. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, losses, and emotional suffering, and our skilled attorney in Washington, DC can help you pursue justice.