DUI Crash in Edgewater Leaves One Woman in Critical Condition

Incident Information

A serious crash in Edgewater on the afternoon of February 17 left a woman critically injured and led to DUI charges against one of the drivers involved.

Southern District officers responded to the scene around 1:50 p.m. after receiving reports of a two-vehicle collision on Mitchells Chance Road near Hamlet Club Drive. According to the preliminary investigation, a 2020 Chevrolet pickup truck crossed the centerline and struck a 2015 Ford pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction.

The 74-year-old female passenger in the Ford, from Upper Marlboro, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted by a Maryland State Police helicopter to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Both drivers were uninjured.

The Chevrolet driver, 63-year-old Joseph Henry Illig Jr. of Edgewater, was arrested at the scene and is facing multiple DUI-related charges. He has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence per se, and driving while impaired by alcohol. Additionally, he faces charges for violating Maryland’s impaired driving laws, having two prior convictions, and causing a life-threatening injury while intoxicated.

The 78-year-old male driver of the Ford, also from Upper Marlboro, was not injured in the crash. Authorities have not released any further information about the condition of the injured passenger.

The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement continues to explore the circumstances surrounding the incident. DUI-related crashes, especially those involving prior convictions, carry severe legal consequences in Maryland. Officials continue to stress the dangers of impaired driving and urge drivers to make responsible decisions to prevent further tragedies on the road.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have yet to confirm whether additional charges may be filed.

Contact a Maryland Car Accident Attorney Right Away

After a car accident, your first priority should always be your health and safety. Call 911 immediately to ensure that first responders can evaluate and treat any injuries you may have. Once you are safe and receiving medical care, it’s crucial to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer will help you gather essential evidence to establish driver negligence and support your claim or lawsuit.

Car accidents can be stressful and difficult to handle. At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, we have years of experience assisting car accident victims in securing the compensation they deserve. Don’t wait—contact us today or call (410) 753-4611 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers. We’re here to help you every step of the way.