Demystifying Possible Happenings after a Drunk Driving Accident
A majority of the accidents on the roads are caused by drunk driving. To curb the rate of accidents due to drunk driving, most states have severe penalties on persons arrested for driving under the influence. Due to the stringent laws and penalties on drunk driving, studies show that the number of fatalities has significantly reduced in the past few years although it is still a significant concern because it is leading cause of death on the roads. DUI is a serious offense in most states, and therefore, if you are a victim, you should be aware of your rights and possible actions so that you make decisive steps. There is a lot of confusion in such circumstances, and the victims cannot comprehend the best moves to make but learn a few things about drunk driving can shed some light.
When you take alcohol and other drugs, it negatively affects the working of your brain, thinking and muscle movements. When drunk, it would be risky to operate any machinery including vehicles. The more you consume alcohol, the higher the effects on your body. In most states, a Breathalyzer is a gadget used to measure the blood alcohol concentration in the body. Some of the most common characteristics of drunk driving might include; negotiating wide turns, swerving and erratically braking without any sign.
Usually, the authorities start investigation drunk driving at the scene of the accident, or they might interrogate you when in custody. A Breathalyzer test would be performed first, and if it is positive, then the suspect is charged. Further, they will check to know if there were any casualties and if there was none, you will be released on bail pending trial after you are sober. Possible punishment for such an offense might include; suspension of driving license for a period, rehabilitation or installation of a Breathalyzer in the car so that it does not start before testing driver’s sobriety.
However, the situation might be different if you hurt someone when driving under the influence and that depends on the actions of the victim and the extent of injuries. If you are the only casualty, then it would be a regular DUI charge, but if you injure someone else, then you would be charged with DUI causing injury. If there were fatalities, then the following charges would be possible; vehicular manslaughter, gross vehicular manslaughter or DUI murder and that depends on the prosecutor’s assessment of the situation.
Without a doubt, you will be punished if arrested for drunk driving but the severity of the punishment will depend on the extent of property damage, injuries, and deaths. Different sentences are available for DUI offense, and they might be minor or major. Depending on the details of the DUI accident, your insurance provider, may or may not compensate you if the vehicle is damaged. Therefore, you should understand the details of your car insurance policy.