Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents across the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 people die every day in car accidents caused by drunken driving. If you or a loved one is a victim of a drunk driving accident in Fall River, MA, consider seeking the services of a car accident lawyer near you. A car accident attorney in Fall River, MA will help you seek compensation for your pain and suffering as well as the justice that you deserve.
What Happens When You Cause an Accident while Drunk in Fall River, MA?
The most obvious consequence of drunken driving is serious bodily harm not only to you but to others and damage to property. Causing a serious accident while driving drunk can be considered a felony and you might get jail time, loss of driving privileges, and thousands of dollars in fines.
The victim of your negligent driving might also decide to file a car accident claim against you so as to recover compensation for their injuries.
There is also the possibility that you can kill someone. Motor vehicle homicide in Massachusetts can be a misdemeanor or a felony. If convicted of the crime, you will lose your driving license for 15 years.
Will Insurance Pay for an Accident Caused by Drinking and Driving in Fall River, MA?
Your car insurance should pay for an accident caused by drinking and driving but this isn’t always the case. Your insurer might deny your claim by stating that you intentionally drove under the influence. In some cases, if your insurer does indeed cover your claim, your premiums will skyrocket or they may refuse to renew your coverage.
If your insurer covers your DUI accident, they will only cover up to the limits of your policy. Keep in mind that your insurer will not cover illegal or fraudulent acts like intentionally damaging your car in order to get paid.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal but your insurer can’t determine that you got drunk to intentionally cause an accident. This is why most insurers cover DUI accidents.
However, getting your insurer to pay your accident claim should be the least of your worries. As mentioned earlier, DUI can attract serious penalties, including jail time.
What Should You Do After a Drunken Driving Accident?
In order to comply with Massachusetts law and to preserve and enhance your potential civil claims, you need to take the following steps at the scene of the accident and during the consecutive days and weeks that follow.
Assess the Situation and Remain Calm
Check to see if anyone has sustained any type of injuries. This includes any occupants in your car or the other car. If there is someone who is seriously injured, dial 911 immediately.
Your next priority should be your safety and the safety of others. Make sure you turn off the ignition to minimize the risk of a fire hazard. If the accident damaged property and there is a risk that the structures might collapse, then you need to move away. Additionally, you should never stand between two damaged cars because you stand the risk of being struck by oncoming cars especially if your car cannot be moved out of the way of incoming traffic.
If you cannot move your car, take steps to ensure that you are visible to oncoming traffic by turning on your car’s hazard and headlights.
Do Not Leave the Scene
Unless remaining at the scene of the accident poses a risk to your life, you should never leave the scene of an accident. The law obligates you to:
- Give your name, address, and registration number of the car you were driving.
- If requested, you should show your driver’s license to the occupants of the other car
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured at the scene of the crime
- Make a reasonable effort to contact the police and emergency medical services.
More on what to Do After a Car Accident
Seek an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Fall River, MA
Watching a loved one suffer or suffering because of a drunken-driving accident that wasn’t your fault can be emotionally painful. It’s one thing to suffer injuries from an accident and it’s another to know that the driver was irresponsible and driving under the influence. Our car accident attorneys at Fall River, MA can help you get compensation and also ensure that those responsible for your actions are held accountable. You can call us today at 508-676-0001 to schedule your free initial consultation.
