A drunk driving car accident in Los Angeles can leave you shaken and unsure about what you should do next. The experts recommend that you take a few steps immediately, including:
- Contacting law enforcement officers
- Reaching out to legal professionals for help
You should not attempt to leave the scene of the accident. Fleeing from the scene of an accident could result in hit and run charges in California. Find out more about your best options following a drunk driving car accident with the experts at the Simmrin Law Group.
Report a Drunk Driving Car Accident in Los Angeles
Legally, you are required to report drunk driving car accidents in the state of California. You must inform law enforcement officers when these accidents occur, even if you are worried that you might end up facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI).
You will need to remain at the scene until police officers arrive. During this time, you should reach out to a legal professional. A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles could help you immediately if you believe you might be accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Secure Legal Support After a Drunk Driving Car Accident
You do not have to try to handle the aftermath of a drunk driving car accident in Los Angeles on your own. You can reach out to the team at the Simmrin Law Group right away after an accident. You can count on us to:
Advise You About Chemical Testing
Police officers may request that you complete chemical testing to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC) after an accident in California. In many cases, you will be legally required to go along with these tests. However, in some cases, you can legally refuse these assessments.
Help You During Legal Interviews
You will likely be questioned by both police officers and prosecutors after a DUI arrest. You should wait until you have help from a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles before answering questions about your case. Keep in mind that everything you say can later be used against you.
Build a Defense for You Quickly
Investigating the scene of your accident and speaking with witnesses can be important after a drunk driving car accident. You may be accused of causing the accident. We can work to gather evidence and witness statements to defend you from these charges.
Acts to Avoid After a Drunk Driving Car Accident
It’s important that you take certain steps following a drunk driving car accident in Los Angeles. There are also some actions that you should avoid if you are involved in an accident involving the usage of alcohol or drugs. You should not:
- Discuss your case with prosecutors or law enforcement officers
- Tell the other driver you were responsible for the accident
- Post about your accident on social media
It is generally recommended that you get legal advice even before you contact your insurance company following a drunk driving accident. Avoiding these acts following your collision can help increase the odds that you will not be blamed for the accident, convicted of a crime, fined, or incarcerated.
Results of Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Drunk driving car accidents in Los Angeles can damage your car and cause you serious injuries. Depending upon the reactions of law enforcement officers and the claims of other drivers, you could even be blamed for causing the accident.
If you are accused of causing an accident while driving under the influence, you could face criminal charges. You could be charged under California Vehicle Code Section 23153: DUI Causing Injury, for example.
VC 23153 can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony in Los Angeles. A conviction for a misdemeanor could result in:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Jail time of up to one year
- License suspension of up to three years
Felony convictions could lead to:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Prison time of up to four years
- License revocation for up to five years
It is especially important that you reach out to a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles if you are accused of a criminal act after a drunk driving car accident.
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Get Help Following a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Car Accident
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can offer you legal advice if you were involved in a drunk driving car accident. You can rely on us to look over all aspects of your case. We can help if you were accused of hitting another driver while under the influence or if you were hit by a drunk driver.
Contact us today to get a FREE consultation. Just call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form