Maryland MVA Lawyer

Anyone charged with a DUI or a DWI always has the right to hire a Maryland MVA lawyer. But what about those injured in such accidents? Who do they turn to? Who will fight for their right to compensation for their injuries? That's where Morgan and Morgan, America's largest injury firm, comes in. Fill out our free case evaluation form today to learn more about your rights and options. 

How a Morgan and Morgan Lawyer Can Help 

More than 800 people have died due to drunk driving accidents in Maryland within the past five years alone. This demonstrates how important it is to hold the liable party responsible for their negligence on our roads. 

 If your case is valid, we may be able to perform the following tasks:

• Provide the legal guidance and advice you need to navigate the complexities of personal injury cases involving drunk drivers. 
• Conduct an investigation and gather evidence to support your claim for compensation for the injuries you or a loved one sustained in the accident. 
• Determine the parties that may be held responsible for your injuries and damages. 
• Calculate damages you may be entitled to, whether economic or non-economic. 
• Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Handle litigation processes and court representation, if necessary.
• Provide the legal, mental, and emotional support you need throughout this process. 

Maryland's Complex Car Accident Laws You Should Know

Maryland is well-known for having one of the most defendant-friendly laws when it comes to car accidents. That makes it even more critical to hire a personal injury attorney to fight for the rights of the injured..

To provide  some perspective, in contrast to other states, Maryland lacks a dram shop law, which is meant to hold businesses accountable, like bars or restaurants, if a customer causes an accident while intoxicated after leaving the establishment.

One might argue that, as an alternative or replacement, the state does have a social host liability law in place, but when you look at the details, you'll realize it leaves a lot to be desired. 

For instance, if an adult serves alcohol to a minor at a party, they may face criminal penalties. However, in the context of a drunk driving accident, the injured party cannot sue the host for damages resulting from the minor's actions. Similarly, Maryland does not allow a plaintiff to file a lawsuit against a host who served alcohol to an intoxicated guest that caused an injury.

So, basically, when you get injured by a drunk driver who was served alcohol at a local bar, you need someone who can navigate these complicated laws and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries despite the state's unfriendly environment for plaintiffs in such accidents. 

Even worse, Maryland follows the pure contributory negligence legal doctrine, a law that has sparked criticism for many years. Here's why:

Under the pure contributory negligence system, if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way, you may be completely barred from seeking compensation. Say the court finds that you were partly at fault for the accident, even by as little as 1%; you may not be entitled to any compensation for your injuries or losses. The saddest thing about this rule is that it doesn't matter how negligent the other party was. Just as long as you contributed to the accident, you won't recover any damages from the at-fault party. 

The biggest issue with these laws is that defendants can exploit them to their benefit. If they can prove that you contributed even the slightest amount of fault to the accident, they can use this as a defense to avoid any liability for your injuries or losses.  

They will also use various tactics to undermine your claim, including examining every little detail, such as your driving behavior, whether you adhered to traffic laws, and even your vehicle's maintenance record.  

Damages a Lawyer Can Help You Recover After An Accident Caused By a Drunk Driver

The damages you may be able to recover with the help of an attorney vary on a case-by-case basis. That said, depending on the particularities of your case, you may be able to recover the following damages: 

• Past, current, and future medical expenses related to your injuries. 
• Lost wages and future lost income.  
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress endured as a result of the accident. 
• Costs of repairing or replacing your property damaged in the accident, such as a totaled car.
• Wrongful death damages, such as funeral expenses, medical expenses your loved one incurred before succumbing to their injuries, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. 

To fully understand the damages you or a loved one may be entitled to after a car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact Morgan and Morgan for a free case evaluation. 

Choosing a Lawyer to Represent You in a Drunk Driving Injury Case

Given Maryland's defendant-friendly laws, such as pure contributory negligence and many others we've highlighted above, it is crucial to find a lawyer who will improve your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict. One of the key factors to consider is whether they have powerful legal resources to build a strong case on your behalf. 

That's because Maryland's pure contributory negligence law makes it challenging to recover damages if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident. You need someone with the resources and expertise to gather strong evidence, hire experts whenever needed, interview witnesses, and challenge any claims of contributory negligence.

You also need a car accident lawyer with a proven track record of winning cases involving injuries or deaths caused by drunk driving. You don't want to trust  any lawyer with your case; choose someone with proven results. For example, Morgan and Morgan has recovered over $20 billion for the injured since 1988. 

Look for an attorney with a positive reputation. One way to do this is by checking their online reviews. 

As you've seen, Maryland's car accident laws can be complex and hostile to plaintiffs. For this reason, you need a lawyer who can navigate these legal hurdles in the fight for compensation.