Despite decades of public service announcements and millions of dollars spent on educating the public about the dangers of drunk driving, some motorists continue to refuse to comply with the law. When drivers get behind the wheel after having too much to drink, they put everyone on the road at risk. Indeed, in an average year, there are approximately 170 Maryland drunk driving deaths.
While the impact of drunk driving can affect anyone using the road, bicyclists are at a particular disadvantage, given the total lack of protection bicycles offer riders. Aside from wearing a helmet and following traffic laws, bicyclists can do little to avoid drunk drivers. And once an accident occurs, the likelihood of it resulting in a serious injury or death is extremely high.
Maryland lawmakers understand the need for strict drunk driving laws and have implemented a strict set of criminal punishments to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Similarly, civil remedies are available for victims of bicycle accidents through Maryland personal injury lawsuits. Anyone considering filing a personal injury lawsuit against a motorist believed to have been at fault for causing a serious Maryland bicycle accident should consult with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney.
Drunk Driver Plows over Four Bicyclists After Coming to a Complete Stop
Earlier this month, an accident involving four bicyclists and a car sent one rider to the hospital and the driver of the car to jail. According to a local news report covering the accident, the bicyclists were stopped at a traffic light, waiting for it to change, when they were rammed by a car that had been stopped behind them. Evidently, the car came to a complete stop behind the riders and then suddenly began accelerating at a high rate of speed.
One rider was run over by the car and pinned underneath until emergency crews were able to extricate him. Three others were pushed out of the way and suffered minor injuries. Witnesses to the accident told reporters that the driver’s eyes looked “deranged” and that they believed he was under the influence of alcohol. When police arrived on the scene, a breath test was administered, and the witnesses’ suspicions were confirmed. The driver was arrested on charges of vehicular assault and driving while under the influence.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bicycle Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have developed a reputation for aggressively representing accident victims across the Washington, D.C. area. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we understand that being involved in a serious accident is a stressful and often traumatic experience, and we do everything we can to simplify the process while not sacrificing the quality of our representation. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated and experienced Maryland personal injury attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Motorists Running Red Lights, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published August 4, 2017.
Bicyclist Deaths Continue to Increase in Bicyclist-Motor Vehicle Crashes, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published September 6, 2017.