DUI Car Accidents: Our Pinellas County DUI Attorney Explains What To Do If Involved In An Alcohol-Related Crash
Car accidents are the number one cause of personal injuries in Pinellas County, and driving under the influence is one of the most common reasons they happen. Unfortunately, having even a few drinks can impair your driving abilities. Drinking any amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel increases the odds of getting into a crash, can cause severe harm to others, and may leave you facing a lengthy jail sentence.
Our Seminole DUI-BUI defense attorney represents clients in these cases, providing the fierce legal representation they need to protect themselves. Find out what to do in the event you are involved in an alcohol-related crash and how to reduce the chances of a criminal conviction.
What To Do If You Are Involved In An Alcohol-Related Crash In Seminole
According to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles crash reports, nearly 350 alcohol-related car accidents in Pinellas County happen each year. Most drivers know under the influence, but many mistakenly believe there is no harm in having just a few drinks.
Unfortunately, drinking any amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel increases the risk of car accidents in Seminole and could result in harsh criminal penalties. If you have had a few drinks and get into a crash, our Seminole DUI defense attorney how to protect yourself:
- Immediately stop at the scene;
- Remain calm and notify the police, which is required by law;
- Call an ambulance for injured victims;
- Get a copy of the police report;
- Take photos and videos of the scene and get contact information for witnesses;
- Seek medical care and follow the doctor’s instructions.
Cooperate with police, but give brief answers and avoid admitting liability. If they ask for a breathalyzer, you have the right to decline. However, it could result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
Protect Your Rights If Charged With A DUI After An Accident In Bradenton
Under the Florida Statutes, you can face DUI charges if there is any amount of alcohol in your system at the scene of a crash. To protect your legal rights in this situation, request legal representation and assert your right to remain silent.
As experienced trial attorneys, the Reep Law Firm can take the swift actions needed to help prevent a conviction. This includes:
- Reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash and police procedures at the scene;
- Disputing the results of any DUI testing and how it was administered;
- Gathering additional evidence in your case;
- Negotiating with prosecutors and fiercely defending you in court.
To Prevent A Potential DUI Conviction, Contact Our Pinellas County DUI Defense Attorney Today
Driving with any alcohol in your system is a serious crime in Pinellas County. If found guilty of an alcohol-related crash, you could face a lengthy jail sentence. To protect your rights and prevent a criminal conviction, contact the Reep Law Firm right away. Request a consultation with our Pinellas County DUI defense attorney today.
Sources:
lhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html
