Drivers who are involved in an accident while driving under the influence (DUI) can end up damaging their vehicles. In some cases, a DUI collision will even result in a totaled vehicle.
In some situations, car insurance does cover damages caused by DUI collisions. However, the exact coverage you have will depend upon the wording of your insurance policy. 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 form of insurance can cover drivers, even if they cause an accident by acting negligently or recklessly. 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 as 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 is known to increase the odds that a driver will cause an accident. Therefore, they will claim that you intentionally put yourself in a situation where you were likely to 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 that someone else caused the accident could help you get the coverage you need to repair or replace your vehicle.
Talk with a Lawyer if Your Car Was Totaled in a DUI Accident
Car insurance sometimes pays for a car totaled in a DUI accident in some situations. 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 (310) 862-0199 or fill out our online contact form.
