In California, the legal process for a DUI where a driver is simply pulled over by police and a DUI that involves an accident is similar. However, an accident can have some effects on the case, especially when it comes to sentencing. One of the first effects happens if there are injuries involved. If those injuries are minor, the driver may only face misdemeanor charges. If the injuries are serious, the driver may find themselves facing felony charges. Also, in the case of an accident, the driver may open themselves up to personal injury compensation as well as punitive damages. These damages are on top of the thousands of dollars in fines and fees for the DUI charge.
The Fresno Bee reports that an allegedly intoxicated driver who was speeding at 100 m.p.h. has caused a chain collision crash in Fresno.
The crash occurred Saturday night along Highway 180.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver responsible for the crash was allegedly driving under the influence and going 100 m.p.h. near the Highway 168 interchange.
The driver responsible, whose name was not released, allegedly rear-ended another vehicle at high speed, causing traffic on the interstate to come to a standstill for hours. More crashes followed the initial crash.
Following the initial impact, the responsible driver’s vehicle went up an embankment, where it caught fire. The driver suffered from serious injuries. Another victim suffered from minor injuries and was treated in the hospital.
The driver was booked into the Fresno County Jail.
