Driving under the influence (DUI) is still one of the most dangerous ways of causing accidents. Whether it is due to the use of alcohol, some other drugs, or a combination of both, it does pose a great threat to the lives of those driving on the roads.
Every year, a number of accidents are reported pointing toward the use of drugs and alcohol while driving. Now, the reasons behind driving under the influence (DUI) can vary. A lot of times drivers think they are completely fine driving when they are under the influence.
According to a car accident attorney, a lot of times it is the negligence of the driver himself when he thinks he is able to drive while he is on drugs. But with the intervention of new laws and changes in the policy, strict rules are being made that are resulting in fruitful outcomes.
Lawful Consequences of DUI
The consequences that one has to deal with after a car accident resulting from a DUI can be in the form of fines, penalties, and even jail. Now, all of these depend on the severity of the injuries that have occurred.
Penalties and Fines
First Timers: When it comes to people driving under the influence for the first time, the consequences usually are not very strict. Although the fines charged in these cases can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The jail time can vary and is often lenient for first-timers.
Repeat Culprits: People who have numerous DUI convictions deal with bad and harsher penalties. The jail time can also vary from months to a year.
Aggravated Driving Under the Influence: If an accident results in some injury that is serious in nature, involves higher levels of intoxication, or has caused death then the consequences are as serious as they can be.
License Suspension and Cancellation
Driving under the influence does not stop at the financial consequences only. It also does impact those who have driving privileges.
Suspension is done when the license of the driver is temporarily withdrawn. This is actually one of the consequences that are seen occurring just after the accident has occurred. Now, the timeframe for the suspension does depend on whether the offender is a first-timer or if he has done that before.
The cancellation of the licensee is way more scary and bad for a driver. This means that the license is terminated for some time. The time can now vary as well, it all depends on the kind of injury that has occurred as a result of the accident.
A personal injury attorney can help navigate all these consequences better.
Rights of Victims in DUI Cases
The victims of DUI (driving under the influence) car accidents a lot of times go through emotional, financial, and physical challenges.
These can be really hard on yourself, but thankfully the laws against them are quite strict and can serve as justice for the victims. Here are some of the compensations that the victims can claim.
Lost Wages
If there are any lost wages, like if the victim has gone through being away from work or is not capable of performing his tasks at the job, they can claim compensation for the lost wages. In this both of the earnings are included, the future ones that are to happen yet and also the ones occurring now.
Medical Bills
One of the aftermaths of a car accident is the injury that a victim goes through. Victims have all the right to ask for compensation for the injury that they have gone through. They can also claim for the future costs that will occur in cases where the injuries are way too much to be cured in just a little time.
Intangible Costs
Besides the tangible costs, the victims of the accidents can seek damages for the suffering and the pain they go through. This covers all the suffering a victim has been through including the emotional damages, the trauma, and the distress during the accident or as an after-effect.
Role of Insurance in DUI Cases
One of the important parts of dealing with DUI cases is the role of insurance.
- The immediate expenses that occur after the accident are covered at the spot even if the party at fault is not identified.
- The insurance of the offender usually covers the damages on their side. But, depending on the severity of the injury, it is quite possible that all the costs might not be covered.
Conclusion
In the cases of DUI, the consequence can be serious and can impact the victim and the offender. However, the laws available are quite helpful in the favor of the victims and can save them a lot of hassle. They can get the compensation in time and get the purpose served.
