Drivers involved in an accident while driving under the influence (DUI) can damage their vehicles. Sometimes, a DUI collision will even result in a totaled vehicle.
In some situations, car insurance does cover damages caused by DUI collisions. However, your exact coverage will depend upon your insurance policy’s wording. Not all of these policies are the same here in Los Angeles.
Denial of Coverage for DUI Accidents in California
Some car insurance companies offer “liability” insurance. This insurance can cover drivers by acting negligently or recklessly, even if they cause an accident. The exact degree of negligent behavior covered by your insurance company will vary.
You should always review your insurance policy after an accident. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you review the policy to focus on the specifics of your situation. If your DUI accident is deemed a “negligent” act, you could get coverage from your insurance company.
However, you should know that some insurance companies will argue that driving under the influence is an intentional act. Insurance policies do not cover damage caused by intentional behavior.
Intentional Acts and DUIs in Los Angeles
Insurance companies sometimes argue that driving under the influence represents an intentional act that causes an accident. For example, the company may claim that you intentionally:
- Choose to drink alcohol
- Drank until you were impaired
- Decided to drive a vehicle knowing the risks
Many insurance companies will argue that driving while impaired increases the odds that a driver will cause an accident. Therefore, they will claim that you intentionally put yourself in a situation where you would likely end up in an accident. This can allow insurance companies to deny you coverage in some situations.
However, you should know that many insurance companies will at least cover vehicle repairs. This is true even if they argue that you intentionally caused the accident. They may refuse to cover personal injury losses or the losses of other drivers in the accident.
Handle DUI Accidents in Los Angeles
You can face serious repercussions if you are accused of a DUI causing an accident in California. A Los Angeles DUI attorney can work to show that you did not drive under the influence and that you were not to blame for the accident that totaled your vehicle.
Note that even if you were driving under the influence, that does not necessarily mean you were at fault for the accident. Another driver could have operated their vehicle recklessly or broken the rules of the road, causing a collision. Showing someone else caused the accident could help you get the necessary coverage to repair or replace your vehicle.
How to Find the Right DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles
When you are facing DUI charges in California, you need the right DUI attorney on your side. Do not settle for the public defender or attempt to represent yourself. There is too much at stake, including your freedom, your ability to drive, and much more. When looking for the right DUI lawyer, be sure to ask the following questions when at your initial appointment:
- How long have you been defending clients charged with DUI in Los Angeles?
- What is your success rate when it comes to having charges dismissed or reduced?
- Will you handle all communication with the prosecution on my behalf?
- How often will we need to meet or talk about the case?
- Do you have experience fighting charges in my jurisdiction and with the prosecutor assigned to my case?
When faced with a DUI charge, you need the most experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Talk to a DUI attorney in Los Angeles today about your options. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the sooner the attorney can begin to build a defense against the charges levied against you in California. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Talk with a Lawyer if Your Car Was Totaled in a DUI Accident
In some situations, car insurance sometimes pays for a car totaled in a DUI accident. However, this is not guaranteed. A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can help you navigate your insurance company and the criminal justice system. For a free consultation, call our office or fill out our online contact form.
