DUI accidents can be traumatizing. Whether you were the one intoxicated or someone else, there are few things more jarring than a drunk driving crash. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can help minimize injuries and penalties, and protect those involved.
If you’re one of the drivers or passengers in the collision, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as early as possible to ensure your rights are protected . Use the following 7 critical steps to help you handle a DUI accident effectively.
1. Remain At the DUI Crash Scene
You need to stay at the scene. Talk to the other driver or drivers and exchange insurance information. Don’t be an actor or actress. Remain calm and stay truthful.
It doesn’t matter if it’s early Saturday morning or if you were driving in the middle of rush hour traffic. If you leave the scene of the crash, you may be charged later, so it’s best to stay put. You want contact information, car identification numbers, insurance information, and more.
It’s an idea to take pictures so you have accurate information. Don’t forget to also gather witness information. If somebody saw the DUI crash, they may be vital to the investigation that ensues.
2. Determine Any Injuries
Are there injuries? Is any other party suffering severe pain? Did any of the drivers or passengers get killed? Does anybody require medical attention? Did somebody crash into a house?
Call 911 if there are injuries to the drivers, passengers, or anyone else involved.
Truth be told, a DUI crash can be devastating. The scene may be filled with blood and debris. Don’t try to perform any medical procedures or move any person unless someone is facing life-threatening danger. For instance, a person may need to be pulled out of a burning vehicle.
If you think a person or driver may be suffering, call 911 just to be safe. They may need hospital care immediately.
3. Call the Authorities
Following most 911 calls, the authorities (i.e. police) will arrive at the DUI crash scene. Even if nobody has injuries, you are required to call the authorities when property damage exceeds a threshold set by your state.
The police officer will discuss the crash or accident with each person, perhaps even taking an alcohol BAC test. Be honest and don’t lie or exaggerate. Now is not the time to create unnecessary drama.
In some cases, those involved may have to take a blood test or BAC-similar test later at the hospital. The officer’s police report may capture a lot of this information.
Los Angeles Police Department Reporting
In the clogged streets and highways of Los Angeles, DUI crashes are as common as anywhere. Thus, the LAPD police reports have to be very thorough and may include statements, diagrams, and even LAPD conclusions about the crash.
Whether from the LAPD or not, a police report can generally document who may have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs, what vehicle or vehicles caused the collision, who was injured and killed, what damage or loss was incurred, and other aspects that may lead to a charge or charges in the investigation.
Get the officer’s contact information as soon as possible.
4. Aggregate Evidence
You should document as many forms of evidence as possible, whether by photo or otherwise. It’s within your rights (and may protect your rights) to gather such information from the accident scene.
You may want the model and year of each car, license plate numbers, and descriptions of the vehicles, roads, and environment. Look for details that may help the investigation. Was there proof of alcohol and drugs consumed?
What damage did each car incur? Did someone make a wrong turn?
All of the information you document can help corroborate or dispute what was reported and may prevent you from being arrested. If someone was killed, seriously injured, or in a coma, it’s critical to your case that you show what has happened.
5. Contact the DMV
Sometimes you will have to file an accident report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). All states differ, but in California, you are typically required to report the DUI accident within 10 days if damage exceeds $1,000.
To determine this damage assessment, you should contact your car insurance.
6. Call Your Car Insurance
It doesn’t matter if you’re at fault or not, you need to contact your insurance right away. This is how policies work, as the DUI accident may require extensive coverage. Once reported to your insurance, the accident may require a claim filed.
A DUI lawyer in your state can help you determine if this is necessary, especially if you may be charged in the case.
7. Avoid Jail Time – Consult a Southern California Lawyer
Whether you are in California or not is irrelevant. The important thing is that you call a local DUI attorney specializing in your area’s laws. A lawyer can review evidence such as blood and alcohol tests, driving records and information, and police reports, and therefore help minimize each charge in the case.
Whether an intentional DUI murder or just a drunken Saturday mishap a mile from your house, your case may require professional guidance.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a regular Joe or a famous actress, an LLC specializing in DUI law can help.
Consult an attorney immediately.