On Sunday February 22, five people sustained injuries and had to be hospitalized following a head-on collision in Whittier, CA. One of the five was the driver of a truck, who collided with a Toyota Prius near La Forge Street and Santa Gertrudes Avenue.
Following the collision, the man attempted to flee the scene; he was apprehended shortly thereafter, and police suspected he was driving under the influence. The man, who was not named in news reports, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being treated for a gash to his forehead at the hospital. He was placed in custody on the charges at the time of news reports.
Driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense on its own, and leaves the accused facing possible jail time, fines, community service, driver’s license suspension, and more if found guilty. However, in the state of Michigan a person may be charged with OUIL (Operating Under the Influence of Liquor) causing serious bodily injury when others are injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver.
When innocent people are victims of inebriated drivers, the consequences become much more serious for the accused. For example, a conviction may result in fines of up to $5,000 along with a maximum of five years in prison; defendant’s may be ordered by the court to forfeit their vehicle as well, in addition to driver’s license sanctions.
No one ever expects to cause or be involved in an accident after consuming alcohol, however it happens every day across the nation. Alcohol impairs a person’s ability to drive safely, although most who get behind the wheel believe they are “just fine” and will have no problem driving. When the unexpected happens and you find yourself facing criminal charges of DUI causing serious bodily injury or even death, it is extremely frightening and stressful.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, regardless of whether an accident occurred or anyone was injured, waste no time before consulting with a skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI defense attorney. Your freedom and legal rights must be protected by a lawyer who will fight on your behalf and work to secure good results.