Three things victims of drunk drivers in Washington DC should know

Washington, DC – Those who have been harmed by an intoxicated driver will deal with multiple serious problems. However, there are ways for these people to use the courts to try to get financial help, and the state will also try to prosecute the driver through the criminal justice system. People who are dealing with the consequences of a drunk driving crash can meet with attorneys near me for additional advice.  

The driver can be sued in civil court

Drunk drivers can be made to pay for the damage that they caused through a civil accident case. These lawsuits have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, as the plaintiff in a civil case against a drunk driver only needs to prove that the person’s negligence was the cause of their losses by a preponderance of the evidence with the help of Washington D.C. DWI accident lawyers. The case does not necessarily need to prove that the person was intoxicated at the time or that they were found guilty in criminal court. 

Costs of a drunk driving crash can be very high

Accidents caused by intoxicated drivers have consistently been shown to cause severe injuries and death, even more so than other motor vehicle collisions. A person who survives a crash involving a drunk driver will likely have to deal with significant healthcare costs, time away from their job and lost wages, and other life changing consequences. These losses can add up to thousands or even millions of dollars depending on the specifics of the situation and the person’s medical issues. Washington D.C. accident lawyers can provide additional advice about the value of a settlement related to a collision. 

Criminal charges

Washington D.C. has more strict drunk driving laws than many other jurisdictions in the country. A person who has a blood alcohol concentration of .08 can be charged with the crime of driving while intoxicated or DWI. However, someone who has a blood alcohol concentration of .07 or lower can still be charged with driving under the influence or DUI based on observations by police officers. If there is suspicion of DUI, the police can use other facts or evidence to charge the person with being under the influence of alcohol while driving, even if they are not intoxicated. Drivers under the age of 21 can also be charged with DWI if there is any amount of detectable alcohol in their body while they are operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are convicted of these crimes can lose their driver’s license, face significant fines, and there is also the possibility of jail time, especially if they injure another person during an accident. 

Attorneys are available to provide guidance

USAttorneys.com is a web directory that lists lawyers in every state around the country. Those who need additional advice can choose a practice area and their state to find a legal professional.