A volunteer firefighter from Nanjemoy, Maryland recently died in an accident in La Plata. The 20-year-old woman was struck head-on by another vehicle on the evening of April 28 on State Route 425, just south of Tim’s Lane.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to law enforcement authorities. She had been an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter for the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department for about five years.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the woman was a 23-year-old man from Indian Head. He was reportedly traveling north on the highway as the woman was traveling south. Police say that he was not staying within his lane while driving his Chevy Silverado, which eventually led to him crashing head-on into the victim’s Kia Soul. The Kia came to rest off the road in a field and the Silverado stopped in the middle of the road.

Criminal and civil penalties possible

Police say alcohol was a factor and the man could face charges for driving under the influence (DUI) causing death or injury, pending a police investigation. He went to the hospital immediately after the accident to be treated for several non life-threatening injuries.

When drivers are convicted on charges of driving under the influence in an accident results in an injury or death, negligence is automatically assumed. This presumption removes some of the challenges accident victims may face when seeking compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

For more information on how to proceed with legal action after a crash involving a drunk driver, meet with a skilled La Plata car accident lawyer at Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A.