If you have been charged with driving under the influence, you could be facing some serious penalties if you are found guilty. If you were responsible for the injuries of a passenger or you caused a car accident that resulted in significant harm to the other driver, you may find yourself in a big mess of trouble. When you drive under the influence, you are held responsible for your actions, regardless of if you understood what you were doing or not.

Driving Under the Influence is Your Responsibility 

Even though you may be highly impaired because of alcohol, this does not mean you are not responsible for your actions when you are drunk. In fact, as a licensed driver, you get your license with the understanding that you can be stopped at anytime and be subjected to a sobriety test. As a licensed driver, you are responsible for what you do when you get behind the wheel. 

What You are Liable for When Driving While Intoxicated

Like any accident when you are at fault, you may be held personally liable when you cause an accident while driving intoxicated. Unlike a typical accident where there are a number of factors that contribute to your liability, driving under the influence is a criminal act that is punishable by fines, loss of license, and possibly incarceration. Your punishment will be in addition to any civil suits that are filed against you because of injuries you may have caused to other people.

You can be held liable for the medical bills of anyone you have injured, their lost wages, pain, suffering and more. Depending on whether this was your first offense, or a subsequent one, you may be punished harsher as a repeat offender.

Driving While Intoxicated Charges Require Legal Representation

When you have been charged with a DUI, it's important to seek legal representation to help you take your best shot at a defense for your actions. When you sit down to meet with your lawyer, you will talk about what happened the day of the accident, and about any details that you remember about the accident. While you may face fines, loss of your license or jail time, a lawyer experienced with DUI charges will do their best to represent your case so that you receive the least harsh punishment possible. 

When you have been charged with driving under the influence, it's time to contact an attorney in your area.

To learn more, contact a law firm like Eaby Firm LLC.