Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense in every state. However, Maryland has strict laws against driving while under the influence of illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs. Alcohol consumption has a significant impact on an individual’s ability to drive. Motorists who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol puts everyone’s safety at risk. These types of accidents typically result in devastating injuries. This type of collision has high fatality rates. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to another person’s negligence, contact a qualified St. Mary’s County Car Accident Lawyer who can help you seek the justice you deserve. Our firm is committed to helping our clients hold negligent parties responsible for their careless actions and help them achieve favorable results.
Can alcohol impact an individual’s ability to drive?
Alcohol can severely impact an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol can affect an individual’s body and brain in several different ways that take a toll on their driving ability. Driver’s have critical motor skills they need to operate a vehicle safely. However, when alcohol is consumed, a driver’s necessary critical skills are impeded and can often result in collisions and catastrophic injuries. An individual’s attention span is not 100% on the road when intoxicated. Their coordination and sensory perception is significantly reduced. Alcohol consumption can negatively hinder individuals driving ability and can affect drivers:
- vision
- hearing
- judgment
- concentration
- coordination
- comprehension
- reaction time
- and any other critical skills that are necessary to operate a vehicle safely and properly
Individuals who get behind the wheel while intoxicated endanger everyone’s safety. Alcohol is a depressant, which causes it to slow down an individual’s central nervous system including the brain. This means that the brain is not properly functioning. Drivers need their brains to safely and responsibly operate a vehicle on the road. Alcohol severely distorts an individual’s perception. The impact alcohol has on a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle are extreme. Under no circumstances should a person drive while under the influence as it can result in tragic collisions and injuries.
Does Maryland have dram shop laws?
In certain states, there are dram shop laws. A dram shop is a bar or commercial establishment where alcohol is sold. Dram shop laws hold dram shops liable for the harmful acts committed by the individual they served alcohol to. In Maryland, victims injured in a drunk driving-related accident cannot file a claim against the bar or vendor where the negligent driver was sold alcohol. Maryland is one of the few states that does not hold dram shop owners responsible for accidents or injuries. However, driving while under the influence of illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs is a criminal offense and the penalties an individual faces will be severe. Under Maryland’s statute of limitations, victims have three years from the date the injury was inflicted to file a claim against a negligent party. If they fail to file a claim within this period, they will be barred from ever doing so. It is always better for victims to act sooner than later in these types of situations. If a victim waits too long, they could lose their opportunity to recover damages. Victims need to consult with an experienced attorney who can help them hold negligent parties liable and help ensure they are financially compensated for damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to another driver’s negligence, reach out to one of our skilled and determined attorneys. Our firm of committed team members is dedicated to helping clients get back on their feet and get the justice they deserve.
