When a drunk driver causes a deadly accident, the aftermath is devastating for victims and their families. That devastation becomes even harder to manage when the crash occurs outside of the victim’s home state. A recent tragedy on Charles Street in La Plata, Maryland, highlights why Washington, D.C., families need to understand how DUI crash claims can cross jurisdictional boundaries.
The July 2025 crash left two women dead and another seriously injured. All three were from Washington, D.C. or nearby Seat Pleasant. Authorities say the driver of an Infiniti SUV crossed the center line at high speed and collided head-on with the car carrying the victims. Police confirmed that both alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the crash. The man behind the wheel was arrested at the scene. Although the wreck happened in Maryland, it raises crucial questions for D.C. residents and families.
When a DUI Crash Occurs in a Nearby State
Washington, D.C. residents frequently travel throughout Maryland and Virginia for work, errands, and leisure. Many do not realize that if an injury occurs across the border, legal options are limited by the state where the crash took place. In civil cases like wrongful death or personal injury, jurisdiction typically lies with the court where the collision occurred.
That means the families affected by the Charles Street collision will likely need to file a claim under Maryland law. However, if any ongoing harm occurs in D.C., such as future medical treatment or emotional distress suffered by surviving victims, it is possible that a court could consider D.C. connections when determining where a case may be heard.
An experienced lawyer can assess whether there is a valid reason to file in D.C., even if the wreck happened elsewhere. Factors include where the defendant lives, where the victims are being treated, and where the bulk of damages will accumulate.
Drunk Driving Civil Claims in Washington, D.C.
If a crash occurs in Washington, D.C., the law allows victims or surviving families to bring a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. D.C. law does not require a criminal conviction before pursuing a civil claim, although an arrest or citation for DUI can support the case.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Hospital bills, ambulance services, and future medical care;
- Lost income or earning ability;
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma; and
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accidents.
In some cases, D.C. courts may also allow punitive damages in DUI cases. These are meant to punish reckless conduct and deter similar behavior. A blood alcohol concentration well over the legal limit, prior DUI arrests, or extreme recklessness can support a claim for punitive damages.
Cross-Border Crashes and Insurance Complications
Even if Maryland handles the case, D.C. residents often face insurance issues that require help locally. For instance, a D.C. auto policy may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. That coverage could apply if the drunk driver was uninsured or did not carry enough to cover the harm they caused.
However, using this coverage usually involves filing with your insurer, which can be challenging to manage alone. Your insurance company may try to avoid paying the full amount. If you live in D.C. but are hurt in Maryland, you need a lawyer familiar with both systems to coordinate the claim and push for a fair outcome.
What Can Families Do After a Fatal DUI Crash
Losing a loved one in a preventable accident changes everything. If alcohol, drugs, or excessive speed contributed to the crash, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit or pursue damages through an estate claim. It does not matter that the criminal case is still pending.
A lawyer can gather medical reports, traffic investigation findings, and arrest records to support your case. They will also review whether the crash was caused by negligence alone or by willful misconduct, which opens the door to higher compensation.
The location of the crash should not stop you from seeking help. If your family lives in D.C. and was affected by a DUI wreck in Maryland, talk to a legal team that understands how to manage out-of-state claims and push for justice.
Talk to a Washington, D.C. DUI Injury Lawyer Today
Lebowitz & Mzhen personal injury lawyers work with families throughout the Washington, D.C. region, including those impacted by accidents across state lines. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash involving alcohol or drugs, you may have options under civil law, even if the accident happened outside the District. We can explain those rights and handle the legal steps for you. To schedule a free consultation, call Lebowitz & Mzhen personal injury lawyers at (800) 654-1949. We are here to help you understand what comes next and fight for the compensation your family deserves.