Annapolis Attorneys Aggressively Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Last updated on January 21, 2026
At the Law Offices of Joel L. Katz, LLC, we represent clients in drunk driver accidents and other auto accidents. We have won millions of dollars for our clients since the firm’s founding in 1966. Our experienced and skilled attorneys have more than 125 years of combined experience, with a proven track record of handling drunk-driving accident cases in Annapolis, Chestertown, along Maryland’s Eastern Shore and throughout the state.
Every driver knows the extreme dangers involved with getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. However, drunk driving accidents remain a serious problem in Maryland and throughout the country. If a drunk driver has hit you, make sure you receive the full compensation award available to you by working with an experienced lawyer who can represent your rights aggressively.
Sobering Facts About Impaired Driving In Maryland
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs remains a devastating public safety issue across Maryland, including the Annapolis and Eastern Shore region. Over a recent five-year period (2018–2022), the Maryland Department of Transportation reports impaired driving caused an average of 160 fatalities and 2,683 injuries each year across the state. In 2022 alone, there were 155 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers.
While impaired driving crashes accounted for only about 5.3% of all Maryland car accidents in 2022, they make up a vastly disproportionate number of severe outcomes. Specifically, impaired driving is a factor in approximately one-third of all fatal crashes statewide. This high rate underscores the extreme danger posed by impaired drivers to everyone on the road. Incidents are most frequent on weekends and late at night.
Seeking Justice: Compensatory And Punitive Damages
Personal injury lawyers hold drunk drivers accountable by pursuing a separate civil lawsuit for negligence, independent of any criminal charges.
Our attorneys’ strategy is twofold:
- Prove negligence and damages: We use police reports, toxicology results (BAC levels), and witness statements to establish that the driver’s intoxication directly caused the crash. The goal is to recover compensatory damages for the victim’s full losses, including extensive medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Seek punitive damages: Because drunk driving demonstrates a willful or reckless disregard for public safety, our attorneys often seek punitive damages. These are extra awards explicitly designed to punish the at-fault driver’s egregious conduct and discourage future dangerous behavior.
Experienced lawyers also investigate other liable parties, such as bars or restaurants that may have overserved the driver (dram shop liability), to maximize the financial recovery for the injured victim or the family of a deceased motorist.
Ready To Fight For You After A Drunk Driving Crash
We understand the overwhelming challenges you face after a crash caused by a drunk driver. At the Law Offices of Joel L. Katz, LLC, we stand ready to provide aggressive, experienced guidance for you and your family. We work with you personally to explain your rights and options. Call us today at 410-973-3848 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We are ready to fight for justice.