Los Angeles DUI Lawyers
DUI Accidents
A motor vehicle accident is an incredibly stressful, difficult situation for anyone. Serious injuries to yourself and others may be involved, along with the expense of repairs and medical bills. Add an arrest for drunk driving to the mix and it becomes a very difficult situation to manage. Only a high-quality Los Angeles DUI attorney can help you navigate this very complicated legal territory.
Just as in all other California DUI cases, a police officer must establish that you were impaired at the time of the accident. Tests must be performed, and anything you say will be used against you in court. Though some people run from the scene of the accident because they’ve been drinking, this isn’t advisable, as it could result in further serious charges.
If you are arrested for DUI after a car accident, you could be found liable for any damages caused. Criminal penalties, including jail time, will also be greater if you have been involved in a crash. A DUI could mean costly civil litigation to repay any damages to the other party. Whether or not you are convicted of driving under the influence, it is very important to the results of other legal matters.
DUI with Injuries can result in a Felony Arrest
A traffic accident while under the influence of alcohol can result in a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor charge depending on the extent of injuries to passengers and other drivers. If you are convicted of DUI with injuries, significant jail sentences are possible. The length of a jail sentence is much longer than with a normal DUI, especially if the driver has prior convictions. Life-threatening injuries caused by a drunk driving accident can result in up to $5,000 in fines and three years in prison.
Typically, in a case of an accident involving alcohol, the officer didn’t actually see the drivers involved at the time of the accident. But officers can determine who was driving by eyewitness statements, seat belt lacerations and other techniques. Then the officers need to establish that the driver was impaired before making an arrest for DUI in Los Angeles or anywhere in California.
Drunk driving laws were made more strict after pushes from groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Often cited statistics claim that as much as one-third of accidents result from driving while under the influence. However, not every case is the same, and everyone deserves a vigorous defense of his or her rights. Just because you may have been drinking does not mean that you are at fault for the traffic collision. Ensure that your case is handled with expertise by hiring an experienced Los Angeles DUI Accident defense lawyer.
DUI Resource Center
- DUI Defense FAQs
- Boating Under the Influence
- DUI Accidents and Who Pays
- Incorrect Arrest Procedure
- DUI and Loss of Income
- DUI and Loss of Transportation
- Multiple DUI Offenses
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- DUI Fines
- DUI Sentencing
- DUI and Loss of License
- California DUI DMV Hearings
- What Police Look for in a DUI Case
- After a DUI Arrest
- DUI Traffic Stops
- Police Mistakes in DUI Arrests
- DUI Accidents
- DUI Fatalities
- Blood Alcohol Concentration
- Breathalyzers
- Field Sobriety Tests – FST’s
- Blood Tests
- Cognitive Tests
- Dexterity - Field Sobriety Tests
- Preliminary Breath Testing
