Getting into a car accident is always stressful, but when you're driving under the influence, the consequences can be far worse. A DUI accident can lead to criminal charges, high fines, and even jail time. If someone is injured or property is damaged, you may also face civil lawsuits that add to your financial and legal problems. This is why it is important to understand what could happen and what steps to take.
Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers helps people who are accused of DUI-related accidents. Our team works hard to protect your rights and explain every part of the legal process in simple terms. Whether you are facing your first DUI offense or a more serious charge involving injuries or property damage, we are here to give you support and clear legal advice.
If you have been involved in a DUI car accident, getting legal help quickly is one of the most important decisions you can make.
DUI Accidents Carry Serious Legal and Financial Consequences
Causing an accident while driving under the influence (DUI) can bring both criminal and civil consequences. Criminal charges like a DUI offense or even vehicular homicide may lead to jail time, fines, or a felony conviction. On the civil side, victims may sue you for medical expenses, lost income, or property damage.
In many cases, your car insurance rates will also increase or your policy may be canceled. A DUI crash does not only affect your record, it can affect your job, family, and future. If someone is injured, the risk of a serious charge increases. Whether this is your first offense or not, the penalties for drunk driving accidents are severe. You need to take the situation seriously and get help fast.
Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers is here to protect your rights and help you deal with the legal system step by step.
Immediate Legal Consequences of a DUI Accident
When an accident occurs while you are driving under the influence, the law responds quickly. Under the California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 23152, it is a criminal offense to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 % or higher.
You may face arrest at the scene and immediate suspension of your driver's license. The legal consequences begin right away, and they can include criminal charges, fines, and more.
Some of the first legal outcomes you may face are:
Criminal DUI Charges
If you are found guilty of causing a DUI car accident, you will likely face criminal DUI charges. Even for a first offense, this can include jail time, probation, and a permanent mark on your record. The charges may increase to a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether injury or property damage occurred.
If someone was seriously injured or killed, you may be charged with vehicular homicide or a second degree felony. These charges carry long-term legal ramifications that can affect your freedom, job, and future.
Enhanced Penalties for Causing Harm
If a DUI accident leads to injury or death, the penalties become much more severe. The law takes these cases seriously because the risk to others is high. You may face felony charges, even if this is your first offense. These enhanced penalties can include longer jail time, larger fines, and a permanent criminal record. Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer serious harm, and the court may consider this when deciding punishment.
If the injury results in life-threatening damage, prosecutors may even pursue charges like vehicular homicide. Causing harm while driving under the influence carries long-lasting consequences that can change your life.
License Suspension
Another major consequence of a DUI car accident is losing your driver’s license. Your license may be suspended immediately after the accident, even before a conviction. The length of the suspension depends on whether this is your first DUI offense and if anyone was injured. In many cases, you may lose your driving privileges for months or even years.
During this time, you might need to rely on others or public transportation to get to work or handle daily tasks. Losing your license can affect your job, family responsibilities, and overall independence.
Civil Liability for Damages and Injuries
Causing an accident while driving under the influence does not only bring criminal penalties. It can also lead to civil lawsuits from the people affected. If someone is injured or their property is damaged, they may file a claim against you.
Even if you are not convicted, you can still be held financially responsible in civil court.
You May Be Sued
Victims of drunk driving accidents can sue you for medical expenses, lost income, pain, and property damage. A person hurt in a DUI crash does not need to wait for the criminal case to end. They can take you to court to recover money for what they lost. These lawsuits can be stressful and costly. If a reasonable person would have avoided drinking and driving, the court may hold you accountable.
DUI Accident Claims Often Result in Higher Damages
When alcohol is involved, courts often award higher compensation to victims. This is because impaired driving is considered reckless. If you were found guilty of DUI, the court may increase the amount the victim receives. Serious injuries or deaths caused by drinking and driving can result in very large settlements or judgments. These amounts can go far beyond what a normal accident might cost.
Insurance May Not Fully Cover You
Your car insurance may not cover all the costs of a DUI accident. Some policies limit coverage when the driver was intoxicated. In many cases, insurance companies will raise your car insurance rates or even cancel your policy after a DUI. If damages exceed your policy limits, you may have to pay out of pocket. This can put your savings, property, and future earnings at risk.
DUI Accident With Injury or Death – What Changes?
If a DUI accident causes serious injury or death, the legal consequences become much more severe. You may face felony charges such as vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide. These charges can lead to years in prison, even for a first offense. A person injured in the crash may also sue you for compensation.
In these cases, the court often imposes the harshest penalties under California law. A single mistake involving alcohol and driving can change your life forever.
DUI Accident as a First-Time Offender
Even if it is your first DUI offense, causing an accident while driving under the influence makes the situation worse. While a first-time DUI without an accident may result in probation, fines, or license suspension, adding a crash can mean jail time and higher fines. The court considers the harm caused and the risk you created.
A judge may treat you more harshly to send a message and protect public safety. A first DUI car accident can still have long-lasting consequences.
What Should You Do After a DUI Accident?
After a DUI accident, your actions can affect both your criminal and civil cases. It is important to stay calm, avoid further mistakes, and know your legal rights. How you respond can either protect or harm your defense.
Here are five key steps to follow right after the accident occurs:
Do Not Flee the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving injury, is a crime on its own. Fleeing can turn a misdemeanor DUI into a felony and add more jail time. Even if you panic, stay where you are. It is better to face a DUI charge than a hit-and-run on top of it.
Remain Calm and Cooperative with Law Enforcement
When the police arrive, be polite and cooperative. Do not resist or argue. Acting aggressively or disrespectfully can make things worse. The police officer will take notes and may testify later in court. Stay calm to avoid adding negative details to their report.
Avoid Making Statements
You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Do not admit to drinking or say anything about how the crash happened. Anything you say can be used against you. Simply provide your name, license, and insurance if asked. Then politely say you would like to speak to a lawyer.
Contact a DUI Defense Attorney
Call a DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers helps you understand your rights and build a defense. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can review your case, protect your license, and deal with both the criminal and civil sides of your case.
Document the Accident
If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and anything else that might help later. Write down what you remember as soon as possible. This information can be important to your lawyer, especially if someone challenges your side of the story.
How a DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help
A DUI charge can change your life in many ways, especially if an accident caused injuries or property damage. Having an experienced DUI defense lawyer on your side is key. They understand the law and can build a strategy that protects your rights.
Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers has handled many drunk driving accidents and knows how to fight for you. A qualified lawyer can do the following:
- Challenge the results of field sobriety or BAC tests: Police tests are not always accurate. Your lawyer can question how the tests were given or if the equipment was faulty.
- Negotiate reduced charges or penalties: Instead of going to jail, your lawyer may help you get a lighter sentence or lesser charge.
- Represent you in civil lawsuits: If someone sues you for medical expenses or property damage, your lawyer will defend you in court.
- Help protect your license and insurance: Your driver’s license and car insurance rates could be at risk. A DUI lawyer can fight to help you keep both.
- Fight for alternative sentencing (rehab, probation, diversion): If you qualify, your lawyer can ask the court to consider rehab programs or probation instead of jail. This can help you avoid a criminal record and get your life back on track.
If you were involved in a DUI accident, 
