Drunk Driving

Hand holding alcoholic bottle while driving, Close-up.

Washington DC Wrongful Death Lawyer

The DC area has seen an upward trend in alcohol and drug impaired driving, including an increase in the number of traffic fatalities. Drunk driving is a serious offense that often ends with devastating consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people die in motor vehicle crashes involving a drunk driver every day in the United States.

While many people enjoy drinks with dinner or a night out with friends,

alcohol and driving a motor vehicle do not mix. The effects of alcohol are known to slow down the reflexes needed to respond in an emergency, can blur vision, and impair judgement required to make good driving decisions. When not fatal, injuries from drunk driving accidents are often severe. Victims of drunk driving accidents can suffer injuries, such as:

Drunk Driving and the Law

The law in Washington, D.C. states that anyone operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater is driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). A less serious offense is operating while impaired (OWI). Penalties for these offenses depend on whether the driver has prior DUI/DWI convictions. It is up to the judge to decide if an offender receives jail time, fines, or both, but for repeat offenders, jail time is mandatory.

Maryland law has different legal BAC levels for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21 and commercial vehicle drivers. Drivers under 21 are considered impaired if they are driving with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher and commercial drivers have a BAC limit of 0.04 percent.

Testing for DUIs

Car Accidents and Compensation

A drunk driver who is caught will likely have to answer to criminal charges designed to keep them from further endangering the public. Anyone injured as a result of a driver’s negligence while under the influence can file a civil suit that asks for damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Drunk asian young man drives a car with a bottle of beer with sunset background, Dangerous driving concept

Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Advocate for Injured Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our experienced Washington DC car accident lawyers will fight to hold the drunk driver responsible for your injuries and recover full compensation on your behalf. Call us at (202) 331-1963 today for a free consultation or contact us online. From our offices in Washington, DC, we provide representation to clients throughout DC and Maryland.

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