Have you been in a drunk driving accident that you caused? This is a big deal and you can end up in a lot of trouble. In 2018 there were over 10,500 fatal crashes in which at least one driver was under the influence?
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Are you part of that statistic? Do you want to be?
If you’ve been in a drunk driving auto accident and you need guidance toward what to do next, you need to act fast. Keep reading for our advice on what to do next.
You won’t be off the hook, but you can help to make amends and get yourself back in good standing. You’re not a bad person, you just did a bad thing. Keep reading to learn more.
Don’t Flee the Scene
This might sound obvious, but in the heat of the moment, it can be hard to remember that fleeing the scene makes you an obvious suspect. If you leave your car behind there’s a clear connection to you, and if not there are still cameras everywhere.
It’s also unethical. If anyone was harmed or involved in the auto accident it’s your responsibility to make sure that they’re okay. If you harmed property but not people, it’s also your responsibility.
Seek Medical Attention
No matter if you feel great or terrible, seeking medical attention is important. The alcohol may make it hard to know if you’ve actually been harmed, and you might be afraid of visiting a doctor.
While you may get arrested while in the hospital, the first goal of the medical staff is to treat you for any injuries. You may be hurt without even knowing it, so don’t skip this step regardless of your DWU or DWI.
Seek Legal Counsel
We won’t beat around the bush. You’re in hot water. This doesn’t mean that it’s all over though. Getting the best DUI lawyer you can find might be the key to keeping everything together.
See if there’s any evidence in the area of the crash that could be in your favor. If you’re in a shared fault state, it’s possible that the other party may also be at fault even if you were the intoxicated driver. Video evidence and police testimony are the most ideal forms of evidence here.
When you get contacted by insurance, don’t say anything that could incriminate yourself. A good lawyer will help you use your language. You may even want to let your lawyer speak for you.
Even benign statements can be used against you when it comes to insurance.
Legal Issues
It’s more than possible that you’ll still end up in trouble. The amount of trouble will vary depending on the extent of the accident and the way that you and your lawyer choose to respond.
There are several punishments for DUIs. You may lose your license entirely. You might, however, get a lighter sentence if you agree to take a safe driving course or do community service. You may have to sign up for AA (or something similar) and you may do some time in jail.
Getting a good lawyer is the trick to keeping things as minimal as possible.
Have You Had a Drunk Driving Accident?
A drunk driving accident is no joke, but if you get a good lawyer you may be able to avoid the worst of the worst when it comes to sentencing. Keep quiet, do as the judge says, and do your best to make amends. You’ll have your day in court. Just make it a good one.
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