Drunk drivers may end up hitting other cars while intoxicated. This can come with a number of different penalties and consequences. However, there is one consequence that most drivers don’t consider. A DUI impact can be considered a felony in certain cases, which many people do not know.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, DUI related accidents can cause serious bodily injury to the car passengers. This is especially true for head-on collisions or side impact collisions due to their location. Passengers may end up with internal or external bruising, cuts, and clotting. Damage to the muscular, skeletal or nervous system as well as the brain may also occur. The injuries may range from mild to severe, or possibly even lethal. Lethal injuries come with a separate set of consequences but may also include felony charges.
The potential severity of these injuries is what can boost a DUI charge to a felony. Anyone injured in a collision with a drunk driver will also likely take the driver to court to hold them responsible. In addition to felony charges and possibly jail time, drivers convicted of a felony DUI may also end up paying for medical bills, monetary compensation and more. Felonies will increase the severity of any potential sentences and fines. It will also leave a bigger mark on personal records.
Some DUI related accidents can indeed be considered felonies. However, that determination is dependent on multiple factors such as the severity of the other party’s injuries. Anyone who believes they may be facing felony DUI charges will likely benefit from the aid of an attorney.
