The state of California has not had a day without a traffic-accident related fatality since September of 2000. Statistics also show that one person gets injured every couple of minutes as a result of a road accident and that around 60,000 incidents happen annually. This figure represents both fatal and non-fatal accidents, and driving under the influence or DUI accounts to 5,300 of these incidents (as of 2005).
The latest Automobile Club of Southern California study show that female drivers, aged between 18-24 years old, who were involved in a DUI incident has increased by 124% while fatalities increased by 18.4% from 2000 to 2005.
Vehicle operators are tasked with exercising reasonable care under the circumstances, negligence in the driver’s part would be considered an actionable tort wherein the person will be charged and made to pay for any damages to the victim and/or the victim’s property.
Car crash victims usually file a claim or lawsuit to recover any expenses incurred with repairing their damaged property as well as medical expenses and possible economic loss. These types of cases are often complicated and would require proper evidence and witnesses. Victims and/or their families are advised to contact a car crash attorney for consultation as soon as possible.
Typically, a DUI case starts with the arrest of the suspected driver. The apprehending police officer must follow protocol in determining the sobriety of the driver. Sobriety tests are often employed as soon as the accident happens.
After a DUI arrest, the driver is then booked for the applicable charges and may post bail for his temporary release as soon as he is properly charged. An arraignment is then set on a separate date and the defendants are asked to submit a plea to the charges that have been brought against them.
A plea bargaining between the prosecution and the defense may follow to find out if there exists a satisfactory resolution for the case. This often results in a lesser punishment if the defendant pleads “guilty”, “not guilty” or “no contest”. Expert car crash attorneys are often consulted for the best possible bargain in this stage.
As with all legal proceedings, the pre-trial motions and the trial proper come next. Afterwards, the presiding judge or the jury will hand down the sentence.
Most DUI sentences would include imprisonment, license suspension or rejection and the awarding of damage claims. Several cases have often resulted with the driver being sent to a DUI program.
Legislative measures have been undertaken since 1978 to help implement statewide programs for DUI offenders. In 2006, first-time DUI offenders were enrolled in a nine-month program.
The County of Los Angeles has several DUI programs that target to reduce the number of repeat DUI offenses by persons who have completed the state-licensed DUI program and to provide program participants an opportunity to address their issues or problems with alcohol and/or prohibited drug use.
The varieties of programs include:
• Wet Reckless programs
• First Offender programs
• 18-Month programs
• 30-Month programs
Support groups for program attendees, like Alcoholics Anonymous, are also available statewide.
If you are involved in a
car crash and other vehicle-related accidents, consult with our skilled
Los Angeles car crash attorneys. Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.
