Are you dealing with painful, expensive injuries and struggling to make ends meet, all because someone else made the irresponsible decision to drive drunk? If so, the team with Simeone & Miller LLP wants to hear from you as soon as possible. We’ve been helping injured Washingtonians for more than 20 years and have recovered over $100 million for them in that time. Let us put our experience, tenacity, and skill to work in the pursuit of the money you deserve and to hold the drunk driver responsible for what they’ve done. Contact us for a free consultation and put a Washington, D.C., drunk driving accident lawyer in your corner today. 

Why You Need a Washington, D.C. Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

At Simeone & Miller LLP, our team knows how to handle these cases. We can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies to build a strong case and pursue every cent you deserve. While our goal is to get you the money you need through an out-of-court settlement that avoids the need for a trial, we’ll be fully prepared to represent your interests in court if necessary.

When you’re injured, your focus should be on healing and recovering, not on complicated legal matters. We can take that burden off your shoulders. Our D.C. drunk driving accident attorneys understand how to leverage District law to our advantage and have a proven track record of winning big for our clients. That gives us the experience and skill you can trust when results matter most.

Drunk Driving Laws in Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s drunk driving laws clearly state that no one is allowed to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Violation of these laws could result in criminal charges of the following:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – Police may arrest a driver on suspicion of DWI if the driver registers a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent or higher on a breath, urine, or blood test. A BAC level of 0.08 percent or higher is often all the evidence necessary for a conviction in these cases.
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – DUI charges may apply in cases where drivers have a BAC of 0.07 percent or lower. In these cases, the police must have additional evidence from field sobriety tests or observations of the driver’s actions behind the wheel before prosecutors can file charges.
  • Underage Drinking – It is illegal for anyone under age 21 in D.C. to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. Any driver under 21 found with a measurable level of alcohol in their system could face an underage drinking charge.

While a driver’s violation of District laws is a powerful piece of evidence in a civil case, a conviction or even arrest for drunk driving is not a prerequisite to winning a lawsuit against them. Civil cases are separate from criminal ones, and the burden of proof is lower. A drunk driving accident lawyer can gather the necessary evidence to prove the driver’s fault for causing a car accident, even in the absence of a criminal conviction.

Common Injuries from D.C. Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk drivers are more likely to speed and engage in other dangerous driving behaviors, increasing both the risk of an accident and the severity of the consequences. Common injuries from D.C. drunk driving accidents include:

  • Whiplash: Neck injuries caused by the sudden impact, leading to pain and stiffness
  • Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other bones from the force of the collision
  • Head Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine that can cause paralysis or loss of function
  • Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs, which can be life-threatening
  • Cuts and Bruises: Lacerations and contusions from broken glass, debris, or impact with car parts
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain and limited mobility
  • Burns: Injuries from fires or hot surfaces in the car after a crash
  • Psychological Trauma: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident experience

Compensation Available in a D.C. Drunk Driving Accident Claim

The compensation you can recover through your drunk driving accident claim depends on a number of factors. With support from the right legal team, you could recover compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Damaged personal property

Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit in D.C.

D.C. law says that in most cases, you have three years from the date of a drunk driving accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. It’s vital to make sure you don’t miss this deadline, as doing so will likely cost you your chance to recover compensation for your injuries. Call a lawyer right away to avoid missing any essential deadlines in your cases.

Contact Our Washington, D.C., Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

At Simeone & Miller LLP, we have seen first-hand how drunk driving accidents in D.C. ruin people’s lives and undermine the public good. If a drunk driver hit and injured you, we’re ready to take your case and serve as your champion in your fight for justice. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Washington, D.C., and let’s get started immediately.

Simeone & Miller LLP, based in Washington, D.C., also provides personal injury and medical malpractice legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.