May 7, 2024
If you are in a car accident while driving under the influence, you may not know what to do. You may be labeled as a drunk driver and need to face the penalties that come with DUI charges. Additionally, you may face a civil lawsuit if the victims of the accident file a personal injury claim.
After a DUI accident, seek representation from a DUI accident lawyer who can help protect your legal rights. Napier Law Firm is a renowned criminal defense firm that can help you after a DUI accident. If you were arrested for a drunk driving accident, you should know what to do next. This informative blog will help you learn more about your legal options.
Factors That Could Impact Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
In drunk driving accidents, the severity of the crash will have a major impact on your criminal charges. DUI accidents do not always result in serious injuries, though any suffered injuries could upgrade your charges from a misdemeanor to a felony.
For Texas drunk driving accidents with major injuries, you may face charges for intoxicated assault. This would be considered a third-degree felony, which carries the potential for two to 10 years behind bars. If a drunk driving car accident leads to a fatality, a driver may be charged with intoxicated manslaughter. This is a second-degree felony that could result in prison time for two to 20 years.
Another factor that could change the charges following a DUI accident is the driver’s blood alcohol concentration. If it’s well over the legal limit, you may face harsher penalties.
What May Happen If You Are Accused of Being a Drunk Driver in a Car Accident?
During the legal process, much is at stake. After a DUI crash, police officers will likely arrest you. Many times, people are accused of driving under the influence when they aren’t intoxicated.
You’re likely to face stricter penalties if you cause an accident while driving under the influence. These may include an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle or being subject to random alcohol testing as well as paying restitution to any victims. Another issue with a DUI car accident is that you may not be eligible for pretrial diversion programs, which are often offered for a first offense.
Even if your attorney can get your charges reduced or dropped, you likely won’t be out of the woods. If you are the at-fault driver, you will probably find yourself facing a personal injury lawsuit brought by the accident victims. This will be an attempt to recover compensation for the damages they have experienced such as lost income and medical bills.
Additionally, they can also seek compensation for non-economic damages like emotional trauma and pain and suffering. Depending on the circumstances, the victim may be awarded punitive damages by a judge or jury.
The consequences extend beyond the legal system. Your insurance company will likely raise your rates or even decline to cover you as a policyholder. Additionally, you may lose your job or have difficulty finding employment in the future. In short, your world could quickly be turned upside down in a DWI accident case.
How to Protect Yourself in a DWI Car Accident Case
The steps you take next can help you to avoid being criminally prosecuted. If you are charged with a DUI after an accident, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
The criminal defense attorneys from Napier Law Firm are ready to face off against the prosecution and give you the legal guidance you need. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.