What are the consequences of causing a drunk driving accident?

DUI accidents often happen and as long as there are irresponsible drivers who choose to drink before getting behind the wheel, the problem will persist. And if you are unfortunate enough to cause such an accident, you will have to face consequences and you will need a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you try to get you out of the mess you put yourself in.

The Penalties for a DUI

In some states, if you are arrested for a first time DUI, the consequences can be serious and include six months without a driver’s license, potential jail time for up to two months, and completion of an alcohol or substance abuse evaluation as well as treatment program. Apart from these, there are also charges such as court fees, license renewal fees, enhanced insurance rates, and possibly even DUI class fees.

Then there is the cost of being absent from work, loss of driving privileges, as well as other costs, which could make your life as tougher. However, all these are designed to persuade you to not drink and drive again which can also result in saving your life and that of others too. It will also prevent you from having to call up a drunk driving accident attorney.

In addition, the cost of the first DUI arrest can hit you up from anywhere between $5,000 and $12,000 in fines and penalties. And if you happen to get a second or third DUI, the penalties can become harsher and more intense. To add to the pain, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car at your own cost. Regarding the jail time, it can be anywhere between an automatic 5 days to two years.

For the second DUI offense, the fine is doubled while you can lose your driving privileges for at least one year. Furthermore, your insurance company can cancel your policy or can charge you higher rates since you will be considered a higher risk. As you can understand, the government wants to cite you as an example by increasing the severity of the penalties so that the DUI penalties act as a deterrent. Getting a DUI is bad enough but causing an accident is even worse.

Penalties Connected with a DUI Accident

Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties after an individual causes an accident when driving inebriated:

DUI Charge: You simply cannot escape from this one. Even if the car accident was not your fault, if you are caught driving drunk after an accident, you are sure to be charged with a DUI.

Reckless Driving: If you drive willfully without caring for the safety of others or anyone else’s property, you are liable to face a criminal charge for reckless driving. Penalties for reckless driving can include additional fines combined with the DUI fine.

Assault: If you drink and drive and happen to hit another person or car, and it appears that you did it intentionally, you are most likely to face an assault charge as well. Now you are talking some jail time for a decent period of time. You do not have to worry about paying rent any more if you lose your job (which you most likely will – well you will not getting paid anyhow), you will there lose your home since the mortgage payments will not be able to be made.

Negligent Homicide: If anyone dies in an accident while you are drunk driving, you can face charges of negligent homicide. Certainly now this will have lifelong repercussions on your life as you should be able to deduce.

If you have been hit by a drunk driver you need to look out for yourself. The law is going to punish this person but that is not going to pay your bills or replace your car and so on. http://drunk-driving-accident.usattorneys.com/ - this is where you need to go so you can hire a drunk driving accident lawyer and get what you deserve out of the insurance company.

From the outset, facing a DUI charge and causing an accident can be difficult to handle. What you need is a drunk driving lawyer to protect your rights and make sure you are well defended should your case go to court which it probably will – well – depending on how severe the situation is.