The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that in 2023, there were 12,429 deaths in motor vehicle incidents where at least one driver was drunk. This means that 30% of all road deaths in the US that year were caused by drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents can be scary and hard to understand. You might be facing criminal charges and a potential personal injury lawsuit.
But do you need a personal injury for your case? What will happen if someone gets hurt? According to personal injury attorney Ken Sigelman, J.D., M.D., if your actions caused someone to suffer from an illness or sustain a physical injury, you’ll be accountable for any and all medical treatment they need.
If someone is suing you for injuries they caused, you need a personal injury attorney. Let’s examine the lawyer’s role and what you should do next.
Understanding DUI Charges and Their Consequences
Have you wondered what takes place after someone is charged with DUI? Being charged with DUI can be overwhelming for a person. Understanding what happens with a DUI case is important. Some consequences of a DUI conviction include heavy fines and court fees that can quickly add up, causing an immense financial burden for you.
Losing your license is another effect of being convicted of DUI. The impact may vary in severity and whether imprisonment is possible. According to Kevin A. Raudt, P.A., for a first DUI offense, your license could be suspended, and you could face fines and jail time. If you have had prior DUIs or if there were aggravating factors during your arrest, potential penalties could be even worse.
These penalties will jeopardize your insurance rates, making it costly to maintain your car. These charges will not only affect your social life and employment but also severely impact your personal life too. A serious approach will help identify strategies for managing the aftermath.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in DUI Cases
A DUI charge can be frightening, leading you to wonder about the role of a personal injury attorney in these situations. An accident lawyer knows the DUI laws and will advise you accordingly. They will study the facts of your case to defend your rights.
Your lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, study the police report, and seek a reduction of the charge or an alternative sentence for you. If you encounter claims from accident victims, your personal injury experience could prove advantageous. Having a personal injury lawyer will boost your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Potential Civil Liabilities Associated With DUI Incidents
The first thing that may come to mind following a DUI arrest is the criminal penalties involved. When an intoxicated driver hits somebody, injured parties may file lawsuits.
The injured parties may sue for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. The injured parties may seek damages for property damage too.
A civil action can proceed regardless of the dismissal of the DUI charge, potentially leading to significant damages. If found negligent, the insurance might not pay for all damages. Keep yourself informed about potential liabilities so that you can study your options carefully.
Benefits of Having Legal Representation
Hiring the right DUI attorney is important. Your lawyer will act as your legal watchdog throughout the proceeding and will determine if the evidence holds up to the charge, find points of weakness in the prosecution’s case, and decrease your charges or penalties.
Representation protects one from procedural blunders that will jeopardize the whole case. The lawyer will be with you through the entire legal process, giving you comfort and reassurance.
A competent DUI attorney will work out some early discharges for either lesser or alternative sentencing, redirecting the charges that could have been filed against you.
Factors to Consider When Hiring an Attorney
In a DUI case, choosing the right attorney is an important factor, as there are many risks involved. First, examine their experience with DUI cases. An attorney who knows local laws and procedures can be immensely beneficial. Look for those with proven successful results in cases similar to yours.
The mode of communication with the lawyer must be thought through in terms of their frequency of updates regarding new developments and how quickly they respond to your questions. Past client testimonials/reviews are also worth considering.
It is important to address fees promptly. They will let you know if they work on an hourly basis or if it is a flat fee, along with any other potential expenses that you may be subjected to.
Once you have carefully assessed all these factors, you will be ready to hire the lawyer who would best represent you during this challenging time.