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Understanding the Legal Consequences of a Drunk Driving Accident

For people who are hurt in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to know that the driver who caused the crash can be held responsible. The driver might have to pay for things like hospital bills or fixing the car that was damaged in the process.

Understanding the Legal Consequences of a Drunk Driving Accident In some situations, these drivers might refuse to pay compensation, in which case drunk driving accident lawyers can step in and hold them legally accountable.

In the end, they would end up facing the following as consequences for their drunk driving, which led to an accident:

Civil Lawsuit


After a drunk driving accident, the person who was hurt or their family can file a civil lawsuit against the driver. A civil lawsuit is a way for the victim to get compensation for things like medical bills, car repairs, or lost wages if they can't work because of the accident.

The goal of the lawsuit is not to punish the driver but to make sure the victim gets the money they need to pay for the damage caused by the crash. If the accident causes someone to be seriously hurt and unable to work, they can ask the drunk driver to pay for the lost income.

If the car is damaged or totaled, the victim can also ask the driver to pay for repairs or a new car. A lawyer can help victims with the legal steps to get the compensation they deserve.

Criminal Charges


The most common charge is DUI (driving under the influence), but sometimes the driver might be charged with reckless driving, especially if they were speeding or acting dangerously in other ways.

The penalties for these charges depend on how bad the accident was and whether anyone was hurt. The driver might face fines, lose their driver’s license, or even go to jail. If someone gets hurt or killed, the charges and penalties are much more serious. In some cases, the driver could face longer jail sentences and bigger fines.

License Suspension


When someone is arrested for DUI, their license will usually be suspended, which means they won’t be allowed to drive. The length of the suspension depends on how serious the crash was and whether the driver has been arrested for drunk driving before. The suspension can last for several months or even years.

Without a driver’s license, the person can’t legally drive, which makes it harder for them to get to work, school, or do everyday activities.

In some cases, the driver might be able to apply for a restricted license, which only lets them drive at certain times or to certain places, like work or to attend alcohol treatment classes.

Probation


Understanding the Legal Consequences of a Drunk Driving Accident In some cases, a drunk driver might be put on probation instead of going to jail. Probation is when someone has to follow strict rules for a set amount of time.

These rules could include checking in with a probation officer, attending alcohol treatment programs, or staying sober. If the driver doesn’t follow the rules, they could end up in jail.

Increased Liability


Usually, when someone causes an accident, they are responsible for paying for car repairs or medical bills, or bills in that range.

However, if the driver was drunk at the time of the accident, they would be responsible for long-term medical care if the victim is seriously hurt or for paying even higher fines.

Because the driver chose to drink and drive, the law holds them to a higher standard. The harm caused by their actions can last longer than just the immediate damage from the accident. 

The drunk driver might have to pay for the victim’s ongoing care or even for the emotional distress caused by the crash.

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Any facts, figures or references stated here are made by the author & don't reflect the endorsement of iU at all times unless otherwise drafted by official staff at iU. A part [small/large] could be AI generated content at times and it's inevitable today. If you have a feedback particularly with regards to that, feel free to let us know. This article was first published here on 25th January 2025.


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