Losing your Maryland driver’s license can be a major setback, especially if you rely on driving to get to work, school, or other important activities. In Maryland, your driver’s license can be revoked for various reasons, such as drunk driving, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. When your license is revoked, you are not allowed to drive legally in the state for a certain length of time, which can range from six months to 24 months, depending on the severity of the offense and your driving history.

Even though license revocation may not always be permanent, the process of getting your license back can be complex and time-consuming. Attorney Hillel Traub at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you regain your legal rights to drive by simplifying the legal process and striving for the best results.

Table of Contents

License Revocation vs. License Suspension in Maryland

Often, people use the terms license “suspension” and “revocation” interchangeably. However, license suspension is generally less serious. Suspension means that your license is temporarily taken away for a specific period of time, after which you can apply for reinstatement.

The following are common reasons why you may get your license suspended:

  • An accumulation of points on your driving record
  • Failure to pay traffic tickets
  • DUI charge

Once the suspension period ends and you pay the required fees, your license will no longer be suspended. An indefinite suspension depends on taking specific action to lift the license suspension, which may include paying traffic tickets or child support.

What About License Revocation?

However, when your license is revoked, it is invalid in the state of Maryland. You will need to take the necessary steps to reapply for a new license after a specified period of time, which varies depending on the number of license revocations on your driving record.

The following are waiting periods for obtaining a new license after revocation in Maryland:

  • One revocation: 6-month waiting period
  • Two revocations: 12-month waiting period
  • Three revocations: 18-month waiting period
  • Four or more revocations: 24-month waiting period

Working with a Maryland traffic offense lawyer can help you reduce the number of obstacles standing between you and your driving privileges.

Getting Your License Back After Revocation in Maryland

Applying for a driver’s license after revocation is generally a straightforward, but lengthy, process. You must meet specific requirements to have your license reinstated. If you meet the criteria, you must contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Driver’s Wellness & Safety Division (DW&S) and request to have your license reinstated.

The DW&S Division will request the following information:

  • Your name
  • Date of birth
  • Current address
  • Driver’s license number

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will review your driving record for any violations that may disqualify you. They will send you a denial letter if they find issues with your driving record. If no problems are found, they will send you an application form for a new license.

Contact the Renowned License Revocation Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub

Working with an experienced license revocation lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a critical asset to ensure the resolution of problems that can stand between you and your driving privileges.

As a former Assistant Attorney General for the MVA, attorney Hillel Traub has the skills necessary to fight for your legal rights and help you navigate the legal process. He also has over 30 years of experience fighting for his clients. Schedule a complimentary consultation today by calling (410) 352-7575 or filling out our contact form.

Maryland’s roadways can be a breeding ground for tension and impatience among drivers. In our stop-and-go traffic, it is not uncommon to witness behaviors like brake checking. Unfortunately, these maneuvers can turn what would otherwise be a routine commute into a hazardous situation – but is it against the law?

If you have found yourself entangled in legal issues related to brake checking or other aggressive driving maneuvers, The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help. With over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of Maryland’s traffic laws, Attorney Hillel Traub is here to safeguard your rights and provide the guidance you need.

Table of Contents

What Maryland Drivers Should Know About Brake Checking

As drivers, we have likely encountered situations where someone abruptly hits the brakes, either as a form of expressing frustration or attempting to make a point. But is brake checking illegal in Maryland?

What Is Brake Checking?

Brake checking typically involves a driver deliberately slamming on their brakes in response to another vehicle closely following them. This action can be driven by frustration, anger, or an attempt to communicate dissatisfaction with the trailing driver’s behavior. While brake checking might seem like an easy way to assert control or convey displeasure, it can have serious repercussions and may not be as harmless as it appears.

In Maryland, brake checking may not be explicitly defined as a specific offense, but engaging in such behavior can lead to legal consequences under existing traffic laws. The act of abruptly slowing down or stopping on a roadway without a legitimate reason may be considered reckless or aggressive driving, both of which are serious offenses in the state.

Reckless Driving

Maryland law prohibits reckless driving, which encompasses operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Brake checking may be interpreted as reckless behavior, especially if it leads to a collision or poses a significant risk to others on the road. Convictions for reckless driving can result in fines, points on the driving record, and potential license suspension.

Aggressive Driving

Maryland also defines aggressive driving as a traffic offense encompassing a combination of aggressive behaviors that can endanger others on the road. Brake checking may contribute to a pattern of aggressive or negligent driving, leading to further issues.

Seeking Legal Guidance After a Brake Checking Accident

While brake checking may not be explicitly labeled as illegal in Maryland, the associated actions can fall under existing traffic offenses. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, patience, and restraint on the road, avoiding aggressive behaviors that can lead to legal repercussions and compromise the safety of everyone on the streets.

If you find yourself facing charges related to brake checking or aggressive driving, seeking the guidance of a qualified traffic violation lawyer is crucial for navigating the legal complexities and protecting your rights. Remember, safe driving benefits everyone on Maryland’s roadways.

Were You Accused of Brake Checking? A Maryland Traffic Violation Attorney Can Help

If you face legal issues related to brake checking or aggressive driving in Maryland, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Turn to Attorney Hillel Traub, a seasoned traffic violation attorney and former MVA lawyer, to guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Whether you are dealing with citations, court appearances, or insurance complications, Attorney Traub has the knowledge needed to provide effective legal representation tailored to your unique situation. Call (410) 352-7575 or use our contact form to get started with a free consultation.

car insurance with a suspended license

When you’ve had your driver’s license suspended, there may be several reasons why you’d want to buy a new car. This situation is not unheard of; you might have a family member available to drive you around while your license is suspended or need to buy a vehicle for your employees to use. Unfortunately, while it is possible to purchase, title, insure, and register a vehicle without a valid license, one of the biggest hurdles to making this happen is insuring the new vehicle properly. In Maryland, insuring a vehicle without a valid license is often a challenging process because insurance providers tend to deny policies to people who cannot prove they can drive legally.

It’s standard procedure for insurance companies to verify driver’s licenses before issuing insurance policies. Driving without auto insurance is against the law, as is driving on a suspended license. When shopping for auto insurance for your new vehicle, be sure to choose a relative or spouse to be the primary driver. This person must have a valid Maryland driver’s license.

Table of Contents

Can I Get Auto Insurance With a Suspended License?

It might take a lot of shopping around, but ultimately you should be able to acquire the necessary auto insurance for your car if you have a suspended driver’s license. First, select a primary driver. Be sure to choose someone you trust with your vehicle. Disclose the details of your situation to the insurance agent; lying or providing misleading information can set you up for future claim denials. Be honest with the representative and ask for suggestions if he or she cannot personally set you up with insurance.

Setting Up Your Insurance Policy for Success

Living with the Primary Driver

You can be named as the insured on a policy and be excluded as a driver simultaneously. If the primary driver lives with you, you as the unlicensed driver will need to be excluded from the policy. If the primary driver is your spouse, he or she should be able to obtain insurance on the vehicle. Check with insurance providers who offer high-risk policies to obtain insurance.

Living Separately from the Primary Driver

If you don’t live with the primary driver, he or she might have their own insurance policy for their privately-owned car. It might be possible for that person to add your vehicle to their insurance policy. If this doesn’t work, find an insurance carrier that allows a named insured party to purchase a policy for a vehicle he or she doesn’t own. This will allow the primary driver to insure your vehicle.

Adding the Primary Driver to the Vehicle Title

Ultimately, it may be best to add the primary driver you choose to your vehicle’s title. You must still be excluded as a driver, but having the primary driver listed as a co-owner of the car will alleviate several problems around getting the proper insurance coverage. Be sure to think carefully about who you will add to the title to avoid potential personal conflicts.

Take Action to End or Reduce Your License Suspension

When you take swift action to work with a committed Baltimore suspended license lawyer like Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub, he can take measures to attempt to ease your license suspension or have the suspension dropped. Hillel Traub will dig into all the facts surrounding your case and apply his keen negotiation skills to move the State of Maryland to reconsider your suspension. He can also take measures to get points off your license which can ward off future license suspensions.

Don’t hesitate to contact the former Assistant Attorney General of the Maryland MVA for help with your suspension. Our firm has received dozens of raving reviews from Marylanders in situations like yours. Call (410) 589-2794 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation.

When you get a traffic ticket in Maryland, it is almost inevitable that your car insurance will be affected in some way. Some infractions, such as speeding, can increase your car insurance rates by up to 24%. When checking your driving record after a traffic violation, your insurance company evaluates it as a liability to an accident, which can mean a higher payout for them. They then raise their premiums to balance out their vulnerability to liability.

Experienced Maryland traffic violations lawyer Hillel Traub from The Law Office of Hillel Traub aims for a robust legal strategy and specific deposition that ensures you avoid the increased insurance premiums. With millions recovered for clients, we are well-versed in fighting traffic violations on your behalf so you may keep your traffic record clean.

Table of Contents

Why Does a Traffic Ticket Affect Your Car Insurance in Maryland?

Car insurance companies raise premiums based on their assessment of the likelihood that you will have an accident or file a claim. Drivers who file claims frequently affect their bottom line. Insurers would rather give coverage to drivers with no history of accidents or traffic tickets as it allows them to make a profit.

Traffic laws are created with motorist safety in mind and to prevent accidents. These laws make it easier for drivers to remain protected while also protecting others on the road. Drivers who fail to abide by traffic laws and regulations put other drivers at risk of a collision. For example, running a red light could cause an accident, especially in high-traffic areas.

Even if you have never suffered a collision, engaging in routine unsafe driving behaviors and disobeying traffic laws shows the insurance company that you may be a high-risk driver and that it’s only a matter of time before an accident is unavoidable.

How Traffic Tickets Affect Your Insurance

The effect a traffic ticket has on your car insurance in Maryland greatly varies depending on the type of violation, your unique demographics, and your insurance. Some rate increases may not affect your insurance premiums at all. For instance, non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, will not affect your car insurance.

To encourage safe driving, car insurance companies will offer greater discounts to drivers with clean driving records. Alternatively, insurers charge higher rates to drivers who have been in car accidents as a way to reimburse themselves for the cost of claims. However, accidents are not the only way insurance companies evaluate driving records. If you have never been in a vehicle accident, traffic violations and speeding tickets can cause your rates to increase.

Types of Infractions With the Biggest Effect on Car Insurance

Citations are divided into three categories: minor, major, and criminal. The more severe the traffic violation, the more insurance premiums will be affected. The most common types of infractions that cause the biggest effect on car insurance include:

  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving without insurance

It’s important to note that a single traffic ticket may not have an evident effect on your premiums, especially if it’s a minor infraction. For example, your first speeding ticket may not affect your policy at all, but your first criminal infraction, like a DUI, will have major consequences on your policy premiums.

Contact the Experienced Maryland Traffic Violation Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub

No one wants to receive a traffic ticket, but if it does happen, it is in your best interest to contact the experienced traffic violation lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub. We have 25 years of experience helping clients keep their driving records clean or diminishing the effect of their traffic tickets on their driving records.

Traffic infractions such as speeding, reckless driving, and DUIs, can have a significant impact on your financial well-being long term. Attorney Hillel Traub, a former lawyer for the MVA, is prepared to fight for you with effective and trustworthy legal representation. Call us for a free case consultation at (410) 352-7575 or fill out our contact form.

An estimated 76 percent of Americans rely on their cars for transportation. Whether you use your car for work or traveling, not being able to drive your vehicle legally can have a negative impact on your everyday life. There are many reasons why a person may have their license suspended by the MVA in Maryland. If your license has been suspended, a suspended license lawyer may be able to help.

Law Office of Hillel Traub is a traffic violations law firm with extensive experience helping clients in Maryland who have had their licenses suspended by the MVA. It is important you know how to reinstate your Maryland driver’s license after it has been suspended.

Why Did the MVA Suspend Your Maryland Driver’s License?

When a person has their license suspended by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, they are being denied the privilege to drive. There are various different reasons that the MVA may suspend a person’s license. Often, the reason behind a suspension is a driving-related issue, but there are cases that have nothing to do with how a person was operating their vehicle. Some of the most common reasons the MVA may suspend a driver’s license include:

  • Multiple unresolved traffic tickets
  • Accumulating too many points on your driver’s license; this could be a minimum of eight points within a two year period
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving with a suspended license; in this case, the MVA may extend the length of your suspension
  • Driving without auto insurance
  • Disqualified from the privilege of driving due to a psychological or physical condition that would prevent you from safely operating a motor vehicle
  • Failure to appear in court or to respond to the MVA’s notice to appear in court
  • Failure to pay traffic tickets, fines, and court costs
  • Failure to pay child support

Regardless of the reasoning behind why your license was suspended, when you work with a trusted suspended license lawyer, you may be able to have the length of your suspension shortened or have your license reinstated.

How to Have Your Maryland Driver’s License Reinstated

When your license has been suspended, you will receive notification from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. It is crucial that you read and pay close attention to the details of this notice. After you have read the notice of suspension, you must begin the process of having your license reinstated by following through with these steps:

  • If you still have your driver’s license, you must surrender it to the MVA by mailing it or handing it over in person
  • You must refrain from driving. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you may face jail time or costly fines
  • You may decide to wait until the completion of your suspension period when the MVA will reinstate your license, or you can contact a trusted suspended license lawyer

If you wait for the MVA to reinstate your license, you could be waiting months to be able to drive again. However, when you work with an attorney, they may be able to help build your defense case in order to have your license reinstated sooner so you can get back to driving.

Get Help From a Maryland Suspended License Lawyer

After having your license suspended, your life may be disrupted as you try to figure out how to get around without being able to drive. To get help having your license reinstated by the MVA, contact a Maryland suspended license lawyer as soon as possible.

The Law Offices of Hillel Traub can help you build a strong defense as you pursue having your Maryland driver’s license reinstated. Attorney Hillel Traub is experienced and has decades of knowledge navigating Maryland MVA practices and resolving traffic cases. Our team is here to help you defend your traffic offenses, no matter what your record looks like. Call our office at (410) 352-7575 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.

maryland-traffic-ticket-attorney

Flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror while driving in Baltimore can make anyone feel uneasy. Maryland police officers cannot stop your vehicle unless they witness you break a traffic rule or have reasonable suspicion to believe that you are violating a law. However, a variety of circumstances and driving behaviors may constitute reasonable suspicion and lead to a legitimate stop.

Traffic stops are the most frequent encounters with police officers, and it’s essential to know how to handle this situation should it arise. Here are the critical points on how to handle getting pulled by over a Maryland police officer.

Table of Contents

What Should I Do When Getting Pulled Over in Maryland?

If a Maryland police officer pulls you over for a traffic violation, know your rights, be polite, and do your best to remain calm. Generally, if you keep those tips in mind, you’ll soon be on your way.

More law enforcement officers are killed during traffic stops than any other encounter. In the police officer’s mind, they are aware of being next to high-speed traffic, exposed to anyone who may accidentally or purposefully harm them. You can be sure they are exercising extreme caution and don’t want anything out of the ordinary to happen.

While the courts have allowed police officers considerable discretion based on an array of U.S. Supreme Court cases, there are rules that they must follow during a traffic stop.

What Maryland Police Can Legally Do During a Traffic Stop

  • Request your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information
  • Ask you to step out of your vehicle, even without a reason
  • Ask any passengers to step out of your vehicle
  • Pat you down to search for weapons for their personal safety
  • Search your car, if they have reasonable articulable suspicion to believe it contains evidence of a crime
  • Search locked compartments in your car, like your trunk and glove box, if they have probable cause

What to Do If Police in Maryland Pull You Over

  • Stop the car at the nearest safe and well-lit place
  • Remain calm and avoid using sudden movements
  • Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel; failing to visibly show your hands gives the officer the opportunity to sweep the car for weapons and anything else they may find
  • Answer questions directly without providing more information than is necessary
  • Present your driver’s license, registration, and insurance as quickly and efficiently as possible
  • Look to see if there’s a dash camera or other recording mechanism to document the traffic stop; these recordings help guarantee your rights are protected and can be used as evidence in a potential case
  • Do not grant permission for your vehicle being searched
  • Do not admit guilt to anything
  • Remain silent except when identifying your name, driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle registration

A word of advice is to keep your registration in a place other than your glove box if you easily get nervous. Knowing exactly where your registration and insurance information are kept will help you quickly provide these documents to the police without worrying about having misplaced it.

Remain polite and silent, except when answering necessary information. This is key to effectively handling being stopped by police. If the officer is rude to you, resist the urge to argue. Instead, contact an experienced Maryland defense attorney with experience handling traffic cases to argue for you in court.

What Are My Rights When Pulled Over in Maryland?

Keep in mind that it’s your right to record what is happening as long as it doesn’t interfere or obstruct the officer’s ability to perform their job. Unlike citizens, police officers do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy when performing their jobs that would require you to notify them of the recording.

Speak With a Seasoned Criminal Traffic Attorney in Baltimore

Once Maryland police officers have stopped you, countless scenarios can lead to a search. If police illegally searched you or violated your rights during a traffic stop in Maryland, contact The Law Office of Hillel Traub for help.

Attorney Hillel Traub is a passionate advocate defending all types of traffic violations for his clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. As former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, Hillel Traub has a unique understanding of the traffic violations court system. To schedule a free consultation, complete an online contact form or call today at (410) 850-1100.

How to Get the Points on Your Maryland License Removed

Maryland residents with traffic violations understand the problems that past mistakes can cause years down the road. Though they paid the fines and suffered the immediate consequences, these mistakes can still haunt them. That is because, in addition to fines or jail time, many traffic violations add points to the person’s driver’s license. Too many points may lead to losing your license or your insurance rates increasing.

However, it may be possible to remove points off your license early. Doing so might be difficult on your own, so consider reaching out to a Maryland traffic offense attorney.

Table of Contents

How Long Do Points Stay on a Driving Record in Maryland?

Points will stay on your Maryland license for two years, and the clock starts ticking on the violation date. For example, if you received a speeding ticket on April 1, 2020, but do not pay the fine until April 30th, the two-year period would still end on April 1, 2022.

The number of points you receive will depend on the infraction, and it may increase if you caused an accident. For example, a driving under the influence conviction will carry more points than a speeding conviction.

Automatic Expungement from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

As of October 2017, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will automatically expunge driving records when and if the individual becomes eligible. Drivers will not need to apply for expungement. Additionally, it does not matter whether the traffic violation was a misdemeanor or felony. To be eligible, drivers must meet the following requirements:

  • A court has not convicted you of another traffic violation or criminal offense within the past three years
  • A court or judge has not suspended or revoked your Maryland driver’s license
  • A court has not granted probation before judgment for fleeing an auto accident that caused an injury or death, a DUI, or a similar offense
  • You do not have current criminal proceedings against you

If you meet these requirements, the MVA will expunge the violation three years after conviction. Keep in mind that these requirements differ for drivers with a CDL. Sometimes the MVA fails to expunge eligible records. If this happens to you, you will need the assistance of a qualified traffic attorney, like Attorney Hillel Traub.

How to Request a Traffic Expungement in Maryland

Even if you are not eligible for an automatic expungement, you may be able to manually request one from the MVA and remove points from your license. You must either complete and send an Expungement Request form to the MVA’s Administrative Adjudication Division or write a letter containing the following information:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Driver’s license number
  • Date of birth
  • Explanation of the criminal or traffic violation a court convicted you of, including the date and location of the offense
  • A statement of whether you have any pending criminal charges

After making the request, the MVA will review your record and determine if you are eligible. A skilled Maryland traffic offense attorney will be beneficial to you during this process.

Obtain Help from a Maryland Traffic Offense Attorney

Removing points from your driving record in Maryland can be a long and challenging process if you are not eligible or the MVA did not remove them automatically. The Law Office of Hillel Traub will review the specific facts of your case and create a solution that will work for you. Attorney Traub could help seek expungement if your violation was also a criminal offense.

Our office has helped people in Maryland resolve traffic issues for more than 20 years. Attorney Traub has invaluable experience that will benefit your case. Call (410) 352-7575 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

There are many reasons why you may lose your driver’s license in Maryland, from too many points on your driving record to a DUI conviction. Driving is a privilege that many take for granted. However, if you are concerned about losing your license, it is best to drive with a reasonable duty of care and adhere to all state and federal driving laws and regulations.

If your license was suspended in Maryland, The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you defend your driving privileges. With the experienced legal guidance of attorney Hillel Traub, we can look into why your license was suspended and advise you on your best legal options to get back on the road. We have helped drivers reinstate their licenses for over 30 years and are prepared to help you too.

Table of Contents

8 Ways You Can Lose Your Maryland Driver’s License

To avoid license suspension or revocation, you must first understand the driving violations that may result in losing your license, such as failing to pay traffic fines, failing to maintain insurance, and being at fault for a fatal car accident. The consequences of driving with a suspended license can include fines, increased insurance rates, and even jail time, which is why it’s always important to drive safely.

Here are some of the most common ways you can lose your Maryland driver’s license.

1. Failing to Pay Traffic Fines

Maryland fines drivers for various traffic violations, including speeding. If you fail to pay these fines within the allotted time, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will suspend your license.

2. Failing to Appear for a Traffic Summons

Failure to appear for a scheduled court hearing may result in license suspension or revocation, as the court will notify the MVA of your missed court appearance.

3. Failing to Comply with Driving Restrictions

Many drivers have restrictions or requirements attached to their driver’s licenses. In order to drive legally, you must comply with these requirements, such as forgoing driving at night or wearing glasses while driving. If you fail to comply, you may be subject to a court appearance and license suspension.

4. Too Many Points on Your Driving Record

Depending on the points on your driving record, you may have your license suspended or revoked. The court notifies the MVA after you are convicted of a vehicle-related law violation and apply the points to your driving record. Maryland’s point system consists of:

  • Warning letter: 3-4 points
  • Driving Improvement Program: 5-7 points
  • License suspension: 8-11 points
  • License revocation: 12 or more points

Driving points can easily accumulate, which is why it is essential to work with an experienced traffic lawyer to fight any traffic tickets as soon as possible.

5. Failing to Pay Child Support

Even some non-driving violations, such as failing to pay child support, may result in license suspension in Maryland.

6. Causing a Fatal Car Accident

One of the most serious causes for a suspended driver’s license in Maryland is being found liable for a fatal car accident. Always adhere to Maryland laws and regulations to prevent accidents.

7. Driving With a .08 BAC or Refusing a Breathalyzer

The consequences of a DUI in Maryland depend on blood alcohol content (BAC), how many past offenses are on your record, and if you were involved in an accident. If you test between 0.08 and 0.14 in a breathalyzer test, your license can be suspended or revoked for a minimum of six months for first-time offenders.

8. Failing to Maintain Car Insurance

Driving with no insurance in Maryland can result in fines, impoundment of your license plates, invalidation of your vehicle registration, and banning future vehicle registration or renewal until all insurance violations have cleared. After your first offense, your license will be suspended.

Speak With the Experienced Traffic Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub

To avoid losing your Maryland driver’s license, always pay traffic fines, appear for any court hearings, and comply with Maryland driving laws and regulations. We know your license is worth fighting for at The Law Office of Hillel Traub.

If you’re facing license suspension in Maryland, speak with attorney Hillel Traub, who was a former lawyer for the MVA, to bolster your chances of getting your license back and restoring your driving privileges. He has over 20 years of experience and will fight for you and your driving privileges. Schedule a no-cost consultation today by calling (410) 352-7575 or filling out our contact form.

The holiday season is a time for celebration and festive gatherings with family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year where the number of DUI arrests increases. So many people are attending holiday parties and dinners, often deciding to have a drink or two. While there’s nothing wrong with having a drink, consuming alcohol puts you at risk of being intoxicated while driving.

Driving under the influence is never a good idea. It can lead to arrest, car accidents, injury, or even death. For many drivers, a DUI arrest is their first criminal charge. Here are a few ways to avoid getting a DUI this holiday season.

Table of Contents

Tips to Avoid Getting a DUI

Don’t Drink and Drive

Simply put, the only true way to avoid a DUI during the holiday is to not drink and drive. If you plan to have a couple of drinks at a holiday party, know how you’re going to get yourself home before you even arrive at the party. You can plan to call for a taxi or an Uber or find someone who is willing to forgo drinking to make sure you and others will get home safely.

Know Your Limits

Another key tip for avoiding a DUI is to know your personal limit when it comes to drinking. It’s important to keep track of just how much you’ve had to drink and cut yourself off before you get drunk. If you aren’t sure just how much you can handle, there are blood alcohol content (BAC) calculators online that require you to input your size and gender. It will give you an idea of what your BAC level will be after a certain amount of alcohol. This can help you make a smarter decision about how much you’re able to drink. You just need to make sure you stay below the legal limit.

Prepare in Advance

If you’re heading to a fun holiday party where you know you’ll have a few drinks, it’s always a wise decision to prepare in advance. That means to eat something prior to getting your first drink, since the effects of alcohol are stronger on an empty stomach. Once you’ve started drinking, it’s best to pace yourself so you don’t overdo it.

Know Where the DUI Checkpoints Will Be

Police in your area are sure to set up DUI checkpoints in high-traffic areas this time of year. They’re anticipating that people will be coming home from holiday parties, and they’re out to catch anyone who is driving under the influence. If you’re going to be driving home, it’s a good idea to be aware of any checkpoints on your route home and avoid the checkpoints if possible.

Today, someone has probably posted checkpoint locations on social media. There are also apps dedicated to reporting DUI checkpoints and could be worthwhile to check before hitting the road. That being said, try to ensure you are sober enough to drive. While knowing where checkpoints are might keep you from facing a DUI, it will not protect you from the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

Contact Experienced Maryland DUI Attorneys to Protect Your Rights

With such an opportunity for a festive celebration, the holidays are ripe for drinking and driving. In such situations, protecting yourself and your rights is vital. A DUI can cause you to lose your license or even face time in jail. With assistance from a DUI lawyer at The Law Offices of Hillel Traub, you can help protect yourself from charges of DUI in Maryland. Contact our firm at (410) 352-7575 or contact us through our website today for a free consultation.

Schwerer Unfall auf dem Ochsenweg

Motor vehicle accidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions, each presenting unique challenges and potential risks to those involved. One crucial safety feature designed to mitigate the impact of a crash is the deployment of airbags. However, many drivers and passengers may wonder just how serious a motor vehicle accident must be for airbags to deploy.

Contact The Law Office of Hillel Traub for guidance if you were injured in a Maryland motor vehicle accident. With over three decades of experience in personal injury law, Attorney Hillel Traub has successfully represented countless clients in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Attorney Traub understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a motor vehicle accident can take on you and your family, and he is committed to advocating for your rights and fighting for the justice you deserve.

Table of Contents

How the Airbags in Your Vehicle Work

Airbags are an essential safety feature in modern vehicles designed to inflate rapidly in the event of a collision to protect occupants from serious injury or death. The deployment of airbags is triggered by sensors strategically placed throughout the vehicle, which detect sudden changes in speed, deceleration, and impact forces. When a crash occurs, these sensors send signals to the vehicle’s airbag control module, which analyzes the data to determine whether to deploy the airbags.

Once the decision to deploy the airbags is made, the airbag control module sends an electrical signal to initiate the deployment sequence. This signal activates an igniter, which ignites a chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas. This gas rapidly inflates the airbag, causing it to expand and deploy within milliseconds.

The inflated airbag acts as a cushion, absorbing the force of the impact and reducing the risk of occupants striking hard surfaces within the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. The goal is to provide a softer, more controlled surface for occupants to collide with, minimizing the risk of serious head, neck, and chest injuries.

After deployment, airbags deflate rapidly to allow occupants to exit the vehicle safely. Once deployed, airbags must be replaced, as they cannot be reused. Additionally, the airbag system in modern vehicles may include multiple airbags throughout the vehicle, including frontal airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, to provide protection in various types of crashes and impact scenarios.

Thresholds for Airbag Deployment

The deployment of the airbags is based on several factors, including the severity and direction of the impact, the location of the occupants within the vehicle, and the speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the time of the crash. Additionally, some vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies such as rollover and side impact sensors, which further enhance the accuracy of airbag deployment decisions.

While the specific thresholds for airbag deployment vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, as well as the type of crash involved, airbags are typically deployed in moderate to severe accidents where significant impact forces are present.

What To Know About Airbag Injuries

Airbags are critical safety devices designed to reduce the severity of injuries in motor vehicle accidents. However, despite their life-saving potential, airbags themselves can sometimes cause injuries, particularly when they deploy with excessive force or at improper angles.

Common airbag injuries include abrasions, contusions, and burns, which can result from the rapid inflation and impact of the airbag against the occupant’s body. Additionally, airbags can cause more serious injuries, such as fractures, concussions, and internal organ damage, especially if the occupant is not properly restrained by a seat belt or is positioned too close to the airbag at the time of deployment.

While airbag injuries are relatively rare compared to the number of lives saved by airbags each year, occupants should be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to minimize their likelihood, such as wearing seat belts properly and maintaining a safe distance from the airbag deployment zone.

Partner With a Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Maryland to Protect Your Rights

With over 30 years in the field and experience as a former MVA lawyer, Attorney Hillel Traub has what it takes to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, he will work tirelessly to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact us today by calling (410) 352-7575 or filling out our convenient contact form.