Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
As of June 1, 2025, Maryland has enacted new laws increasing penalties for drivers convicted of driving under the influence. While these changes may seem like a matter for criminal courts, they also reflect an ongoing threat to public safety. For families in Washington, D.C., where roads and drivers constantly cross state lines, these changes signal heightened risks for anyone sharing the road with an impaired driver.
The rise in penalties should not only deter drunk driving but also reinforce the seriousness of the harm impaired drivers cause. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving alcohol or drugs, these new rules strengthen the argument for full civil accountability.
What Changed on June 1 and Why It Matters
The new law assigns twelve points on a Maryland driver’s license for any DUI conviction. That point level results in immediate license revocation. In addition, Maryland has expanded its ignition interlock requirements under Noah’s Law, applying the device more broadly even for drivers receiving probation before judgment. According to coverage from WBAL and CBS News Baltimore, the law also targets repeat offenders more aggressively and increases state patrol enforcement during high-risk periods like summer holidays.
These changes matter for D.C. residents because Maryland drivers routinely enter the District for work, recreation, or travel. A driver impaired in Prince George’s County can cause life-altering harm just minutes from downtown D.C. In many personal injury cases, victims are left to cope with catastrophic injuries, medical debt, and long-term trauma while the driver responsible may simply face administrative penalties. Maryland’s increased penalties demonstrate that the state now recognizes the seriousness of the consequences of impaired driving.
Impaired Drivers Pose Serious Injury Risks in the D.C. Region
When alcohol or drugs affect a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor control, the results can be devastating. Victims in these cases often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord damage;
- Broken bones and internal bleeding;
- Permanent disfigurement or loss of function; and
- Emotional distress and anxiety.
These injuries may occur in seconds, but their effects can last a lifetime. Even a minor crash can leave a victim unable to return to work, care for children, or enjoy daily life.
In civil court, you have the right to seek compensation for all losses tied to a drunk driving crash. These may include medical bills, future care costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages when appropriate.
What Should You Do if You Were Hurt by a Drunk Driver in D.C. or Nearby Maryland?
If you or a loved one was struck by a driver who may have been impaired, take the following steps as soon as possible:
First, seek immediate medical attention and report all symptoms, even if they seem minor. Then, request a copy of the police report, which may include field sobriety results or officer observations related to alcohol or drug use. Do not rely solely on the outcome of a criminal case. Even if the driver avoids jail time, you can still hold them accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.
You should also avoid accepting early settlement offers from insurance companies. These offers may appear generous at first, but often fail to account for the costs of long-term care, therapy, or a reduced quality of life.
How Lebowitz & Mzhen Can Help Victims of DUI Crashes
At Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys understand the impact impaired driving has on victims and their families. We utilize police reports, toxicology results, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts to build strong cases against drivers who knowingly put others in danger.
We pursue full compensation in every case and work closely with medical providers to ensure your long-term needs are fully documented. Whether the driver was convicted or not, we take action based on the harm you suffered, not the outcome of a criminal proceeding.
Contact Lebowitz & Mzhen at (800) 654-1949 today to discuss your case during a free consultation. Our team is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue justice for what you have endured.