Drunk drivers cause accidents in Baltimore primarily due to impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and reduced coordination. They may weave in and out of lanes, run red lights, or misjudge distances, leading to serious collisions.
These accidents can result in severe injuries for victims, including traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and emotional trauma.
If you suffered an injury in a drunk driving collision, the skilled Baltimore drunk driving accident attorneys at Furman Honick Law can provide invaluable assistance. We will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering key evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Baltimore drunk driving accident attorney, please call us at (410) 406-7890 or contact us online today.
Our Baltimore office is available by appointment only.
Why Choose Our Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers?
Drunk driving accidents in Baltimore can lead to debilitating and sometimes permanent injuries, especially when they occur at high rates of speed.
The experienced Baltimore drunk driving accident lawyers at Furman Honick Law will promptly investigate your accident circumstances, gather documentation, and pursue the full compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses.
Unlike many other personal injury attorneys and law firms, we are not afraid to take cases to trial when that step becomes necessary.
Our attorneys have recovered more than $75 million on behalf of injured accident victims. You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site.
How Much Is My Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
The value of a Baltimore drunk driving accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of the accident. Each case is unique, and the compensation awarded can vary significantly.
The key factors that determine the worth of a claim or lawsuit include the extent of medical treatment required, whether the injuries lead to permanent disability, and the effects of the accident on daily life and future earning potential.
When a drunk driver causes an accident, the injured party can seek compensation for different types of damages. Medical expenses are one of the most significant costs that can be recovered. This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future medical care needed due to long-term injuries.
The more severe the injury, the higher the medical costs, which can increase the overall case value.
Lost income is another important factor. If injuries prevent the victim from working temporarily or permanently, they can seek compensation for lost income. In cases where a person cannot return to their previous job due to their injuries, they may also recover damages for loss of earning capacity, which accounts for future lost earnings.
Pain and suffering also play a major role in determining the value of a case. This includes both emotional distress and physical pain resulting from the drunk driving accident.
Accident victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can have a lasting effect on their overall quality of life. The court considers these factors when calculating non-economic damages, which can sometimes exceed the amount awarded for medical bills and lost income.
Most Common Locations for Drunk Driving Accidents in Baltimore
Drunk driving accidents in Baltimore tend to happen in certain high-traffic areas where reckless driving is more likely to occur.
One of the most dangerous locations is along Interstate 83, particularly near the Jones Falls Expressway. This highway sees heavy traffic at all hours, and impaired drivers often have difficulty navigating its sharp curves and merging lanes.
Many accidents happen late at night when bars and clubs close, and intoxicated drivers make poor decisions behind the wheel.
Another common hotspot for drunk driving crashes is along Orleans Street, which runs through East Baltimore. This major roadway connects to busy intersections and highways, making it a prime location for collisions.
Drunk drivers traveling at high speeds or failing to stop at red lights often cause severe accidents here. The combination of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas increases the risk for pedestrians and other drivers who may become victims of reckless behavior.
The downtown area, particularly around the Inner Harbor and Fell’s Point, is another place where drunk driving accidents frequently occur. These areas are known for their nightlife, attracting large crowds to bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
With so many people drinking and then getting behind the wheel, accidents often happen on Pratt Street, Light Street, and Fleet Street. The congestion in these areas makes it even more dangerous when an impaired driver is unable to react quickly to traffic signals or sudden stops.
Another high-risk area is Liberty Heights Avenue in Northwest Baltimore. This stretch of road has multiple lanes, high-speed limits, and heavy traffic, creating dangerous conditions for a drunk driver. Many crashes occur near shopping centers and residential areas, putting innocent drivers and pedestrians in harm’s way.
Pulaski Highway, which extends through Baltimore and into the surrounding counties, is another frequent site for drunk driving accidents. This long stretch of road has a mix of commercial and industrial areas, making it a route where intoxicated drivers – particularly late at night – can lose control of their vehicles. Many of the accidents here involve high speeds, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
Types of Baltimore Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk drivers in Baltimore cause a wide range of accidents that can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
One of the most common types of crashes involves head-on collisions. These accidents often occur when an impaired driver drifts into oncoming traffic, unable to judge distances or stay in their lane.
Head-on crashes are particularly dangerous because they usually happen at high speeds. Many of these accidents occur on highways and major roads like Interstate 83 and Liberty Road, where speed limits are higher and drunk drivers can easily lose control.
Rear-end collisions are another frequent consequence of drunk driving. When drivers are under the influence of alcohol, their reaction times are slower, making it difficult to stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of them. These accidents commonly happen at red lights, stop signs, and in heavy traffic areas such as downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor.
While some rear-end crashes may seem minor, they can still cause significant injuries like whiplash, spinal damage, and even traumatic brain injuries, especially when the drunk driver is traveling at a high speed.
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact crashes, are another serious type of accident resulting from drunk driving. These crashes often happen at intersections when an impaired driver fails to stop at a red light or stop sign and collides with the side of another vehicle.
The impact especially endangers the occupants sitting on the side of the car that is hit, as there is less structural protection compared to the front or rear. Streets like Orleans Street and Pulaski Highway, which have multiple intersections and heavy traffic, are common locations for these types of collisions.
Single-vehicle accidents are also a major issue when it comes to drunk driving. Intoxicated drivers frequently misjudge curves, overcorrect their steering, or fall asleep at the wheel, leading them to crash into guardrails, utility poles, or even buildings.
These accidents are common on winding roads and highways, where impaired drivers struggle to maintain control. In some cases, passengers in the vehicle suffer severe injuries, while in others, the crash causes damage to nearby pedestrians.
Most Common Injuries in Baltimore Drunk Driving Collisions
Victims of drunk driving collisions in Baltimore often suffer life-altering injuries.
Among the most common are traumatic brain injuries, which occur when a victim’s head forcefully strikes a hard surface, such as a steering wheel, dashboard, or pavement. These injuries can lead to concussions, memory loss, cognitive impairments, and even permanent brain damage. The severity often depends on the speed and force of the impact.
Spinal cord injuries are another devastating consequence of drunk driving crashes. The force of a collision can cause fractures or compression of the vertebrae, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Victims who suffer from spinal cord injuries may face permanent mobility challenges, requiring lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices like wheelchairs. Even less severe back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs or whiplash, can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Broken bones and fractures are also common in these collisions. The force of a crash can cause victims to suffer broken ribs, arms, legs, or even pelvis fractures – especially in high-speed or T-bone accidents. Some fractures require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, while others may heal improperly, leading to long-term physical limitations.
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately visible after an accident. Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs can cause internal bleeding, which requires emergency medical intervention. If left untreated, these injuries can kill.
Severe burns and lacerations can also occur when a drunk driving accident results in a vehicle fire or shattered glass. Burns can cause permanent scarring and require skin grafts, while deep cuts may lead to nerve damage or significant blood loss.
Victims may also experience emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. A drunk driving crash can take just as much of an emotional toll as physical injuries, often requiring therapy and long-term mental health support to recover fully.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident
Dealing with insurance companies after a drunk driving accident in Baltimore can be overwhelming, especially when adjusters try to minimize your claim or deny you the compensation you deserve.
Insurance adjusters work to protect their company’s profits – not your best interests.
That’s where we at Furman Honick Law step in. Our team is experienced in handling these negotiations, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to recover.
One of the ways we fight the insurance company for you is by gathering strong evidence to support your claim. We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage to prove the drunk driver’s negligence.
In many cases, the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) levels and prior DUI history can be used as vital evidence to strengthen your case. The stronger the evidence, the harder it is for the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim.
We also handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company adjuster so that you don’t have to. Adjusters may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement, but we push back, ensuring that you are compensated for all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight aggressively on your behalf.
Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battle. You don’t have to face the insurance company alone – we are here to fight for you every step of the way.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Drunk Driving Accident in Baltimore
After a drunk driving accident in Baltimore, taking the right steps is important to protecting your health and legal rights. One of the most important things you can do is to follow all medical treatment recommendations.
Following your doctor’s orders, attending all follow-up appointments, and completing any prescribed treatments will not only aid in your recovery but also strengthen your legal case by proving the extent of your injuries.
Obtaining a copy of the police report is another critical step. This report serves as an official record of the accident and can provide key details about the drunk driver’s behavior, including their blood alcohol content (BAC) level and any citations or arrests. Insurance companies and courts rely on this document when determining liability, making it an essential piece of evidence.
Gathering medical records and bills is also necessary for building a strong claim. These documents prove the financial effect of your injuries, helping you secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Finally, speaking with the Baltimore drunk driving accident lawyers at Furman Honick Law as soon as possible can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. We will handle all settlement negotiations with insurance companies, gather additional evidence, and represent you in court if necessary.
Call an Experienced Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At Furman Honick Law, we will work hard to maximize the compensation you receive for your drunk driving accident injuries.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Baltimore personal injury lawyer, please call us at (410) 406-7890 or contact us online for more information.