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DUI Causing Injury

Sacramento DUI Lawyer

When someone driving under the influence is involved in an auto accident causing injury to another individual, serious felony charges can result. These charges include DUI causing injury, an offense which carries punishments up to three years in state prison, and additional years added for each successive person injured. In addition, three years may be added in the event of serious bodily injury to the victim(s). Even though most California DUI offenses are considered misdemeanors, the charges usually escalate to felony when DUI accidents result in death or injury.

An experienced Sacramento DUI lawyer should be contacted immediately if you have been arrested for alcohol or drug-related DUI, especially if it involves an auto accident and injury. At the Law Office of John Campanella, our expert legal team has represented more than one thousand cases throughout Sacramento and surrounding areas. We realize your exposure to significant legal and financial risks, and we are ready to help. However, you need to act quickly.

What is DUI Causing Injury?

DUI causing injury, also known as DUI with injury, is an offense involving a driver possessing a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, or whose normal driving abilities have been impaired due to drugs and/or alcohol consumption, who is also involved in an auto accident causing bodily injury to another person. Whether the injury is minor, major or even life threatening may in part determine whether the accused could be charged with misdemeanor, or felony DUI with injury.

Sacramento DUI attorney John Campanella moves quickly and purposefully when representing a client who has been charged with DUI with injury. He will carefully investigate each aspect of the charges, working in concert with experts in accident reconstruction, as well as forensics professionals. He will analyze blood and breath tests as needed in order to expose weaknesses in the prosecutor's case. Get the expert legal assistance you deserve by contacting Sacramento DUI with injury lawyer John Campanella today!

DUI Bodily Injury

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) bodily injury typically refers to a situation where an individual who is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes an accident that results in physical harm to another person. The legal consequences for such an offense can be serious, depending on the circumstances and the jurisdiction where the offense occurs. It's important to note that the laws and penalties can vary widely by country and even by state or province within a country.

Here are some general details about DUI bodily injury:

Definition and Scope

As previously mentioned, DUI bodily injury refers to a scenario where a driver under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance impairs their ability to operate a vehicle, and they cause an accident that results in bodily harm to another person. The bodily harm may range from minor injuries to severe ones that may result in permanent disability or even death.

Legal Consequences

The legal consequences for DUI bodily injury can be severe, and they are typically more severe than for a DUI offense that does not result in bodily harm. Consequences may include:

  1. Criminal Charges: In most jurisdictions, a DUI resulting in bodily injury is considered a felony. The specific charge can vary from "vehicular assault" to "DUI causing injury," among others.

  2. Jail Time: If convicted, the offender may serve a significant jail or prison sentence. The length of the sentence usually depends on the severity of the injuries caused, prior convictions, and other factors.

  3. Fines: The offender may also be required to pay substantial fines.

  4. Probation: A period of probation may be ordered, often in addition to other penalties.

  5. License Suspension: The offender's driving privileges will likely be suspended or revoked for a certain period.

  6. Mandatory Education and Counseling: The offender may be required to attend DUI school, alcohol or drug counseling, or similar programs.

Civil Consequences

In addition to criminal penalties, a person convicted of DUI bodily injury may also face civil consequences. If the injured party chooses to sue, the offender may be held financially responsible for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses related to the accident. In severe cases, this can amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Insurance Consequences

A conviction for DUI bodily injury can also have significant impacts on an individual's auto insurance. Premiums will likely increase significantly, and in some cases, the insurer may choose to cancel the policy altogether.

Please note that the details provided above are based on general observations and may not apply to all jurisdictions. If you or someone you know is facing a DUI bodily injury charge, it is crucial to consult with an Sacramento DUI attorney John Campanella.

DUI Victim Lawyer

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) victim lawyer is a type of personal injury attorney who specifically represents individuals who have been harmed as a result of a DUI incident. These lawyers handle cases where their clients, the victims, have suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or property damage due to the actions of a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Here is a more detailed look at what a DUI victim lawyer does:

  1. Case Evaluation: The lawyer will first evaluate the case to understand its merit. This often involves gathering facts, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing police and accident reports.

  2. Determine Liability: The lawyer will work to determine the liability of the other party involved in the accident. In a DUI case, if it can be proven that the other party was indeed under the influence while driving, this can significantly strengthen the victim's case.

  3. Assessment of Damages: The lawyer will then assess the damages that the victim has suffered. This can include medical expenses, lost wages due to the inability to work, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.

  4. Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Many DUI cases involve negotiations with insurance companies, who often seek to minimize the compensation they have to pay out. A DUI victim lawyer will negotiate on behalf of the victim to seek a fair settlement.

  5. Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to court. The lawyer will then represent the victim in court proceedings, advocating for their rights and interests.

  6. Seeking Justice: The ultimate goal of a DUI victim lawyer is to seek justice for the victim. This means not only seeking compensation for the victim's financial losses but also holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.

In addition to these tasks, a DUI victim lawyer provides crucial support and guidance for victims during what is often a difficult and stressful time. They navigate the complexities of the legal process, allowing the victims to focus on their recovery.

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The Law Office of John Campanella is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call today at (916) 498-8460 for a free consultation to go over the details of your case.

Office Location

Law Office of John Campanella
901 H St. Suite 301
Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours: 8:30 – 5:00 M-F
Phone: (916) 498-8460
Fax: (916) 476-6350
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