A recent tragic accident in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, involving a 64-year-old driver has raised concerns about the devastating impact of reckless driving. The driver of a 2021 Nissan Armada lost control of the vehicle, leading to a fatal crash in which speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors. The single-car accident on Route 5 near Oak Station Drive resulted in the vehicle overturning and extensive damage to the car. Sadly, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. This incident highlights the legal consequences of dangerous driving and the steps victims or their families can take under Maryland law.
When accidents involve reckless driving, such as speeding or driving under the influence, those affected by these events often seek compensation through personal injury or wrongful death claims. These claims can provide financial relief and justice for families dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy.
Understanding Liability in Crashes Involving Speed and Alcohol in Maryland
In Maryland, drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and obeying traffic laws, including speed limits and prohibitions against driving under the influence of alcohol. When drivers fail to meet these obligations and their actions result in injury or death, they can be held legally liable for the consequences.
Speeding and driving under the influence are two of the most common forms of reckless driving. Maryland law treats these violations seriously, and when either contributes to an accident, the driver may face both criminal charges and civil liability. Even though the driver in this crash lost his life, similar cases often lead to personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits filed by the victims or their families against the responsible party.
Proving negligence in a personal injury claim requires demonstrating that the driver’s reckless actions directly led to the harm caused. In this case, the involvement of speed and alcohol significantly strengthens the argument that the driver acted negligently. If the accident had involved another party, such as a pedestrian or another driver, that person would likely have grounds for a personal injury claim. These lawsuits seek to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule could also apply when the driver is at fault. This rule means that if a victim is found even slightly responsible for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. However, in cases where speed and alcohol are clearly at fault, this rule is less likely to be applied against innocent victims.
What Are the Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Accident?
Accidents that involve speeding or drunk driving often have devastating consequences, and Maryland law allows victims or their families to pursue compensation through the courts. Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits are common legal avenues for seeking damages following a serious accident. When negligence is evident, as it often is in cases involving alcohol or excessive speed, the likelihood of a successful claim increases.
A personal injury lawsuit can help victims recover a wide range of damages. Medical costs, both immediate and long-term, are typically the most pressing concern, but compensation can also cover lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. For families who lose a loved one, a wrongful death claim may include damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased person would have provided.
In the case of the Charlotte Hall crash, had there been additional victims, such as passengers or pedestrians, they would likely have had grounds to file personal injury lawsuits against the driver or his estate. For victims affected by accidents involving alcohol, Maryland’s dram shop laws may also apply. These laws allow victims to hold establishments that serve alcohol liable if they overserved a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident. Although these laws can be challenging to navigate, they provide an additional route for seeking compensation when alcohol is a factor in the crash.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.