Driving under the influence (DUI) places everyone on the road at risk of serious injury. If you are hit by a drunk driver, you may incur medical bills, lost wages, or property damage. To recover damages for these losses, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal cases, which often do not result in just monetary compensation. When bringing a civil case, Maryland DUI accident victims should understand the types of damages awards they can recover from a successful personal injury lawsuit.
Recently, a driver pleaded guilty to felony manslaughter charges after a Maryland DUI accident. The charges stem from a crash involving two drivers who were under the influence. The first driver was speeding on I-70 when the second driver clipped his car while attempting to change lanes. The first driver then crashed into a work zone, striking several construction workers. Sadly, six of the workers died from their injuries. Both drivers were traveling at over 100 miles per hour when the crash occurred. The second driver also faces DUI charges.
What Damages Are Available After a Maryland DUI Accident?
If you pursue a negligence lawsuit against the responsible driver, you may be able to seek compensatory damages. This type of damages award intends to restore you to the position you were in before the accident. Compensatory damages can include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for expenses incurred from the accident. These often include medical bills and lost future wages if your injuries prevent you from performing your usual job functions. In addition, you can seek non-economic damages, which compensate for emotional harm resulting from the accident. These often take the form of damages for “pain and suffering.” Finally, your spouse may be able to seek damages for “loss of consortium,” which refers to the loss of a spouse’s companionship. To recover compensatory damages, you must prove it is more likely than not that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Can You Seek Punitive Damages After a Maryland DUI Accident?
Maryland law prohibits punitive damages awards after an unintentional DUI accident. In Maryland, the standard for punitive damages in all cases is “actual malice,” meaning the perpetrator acted with some intent to cause harm. Unless the intoxicated driver meant to cause you injury, you likely cannot recover punitive damages. Even if punitive damages are not available, an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer can help you recover the full compensatory damages amount you deserve.
Do You Need a Maryland DUI Accident Lawyer?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Maryland DUI accident, the skilled personal injury attorneys at the Schupak Law Firm are here to help. Our attorneys are committed to helping people who have suffered injuries from another person’s negligence. We possess decades of combined experience fighting for Maryland accident victims and their families. Through our skilled and dedicated representation, we can help you recover just compensation for your injuries. To discuss your case at no cost to you, give us a call at 240-833-3914.