What to Do After a DUI with Injury Accident

Being involved in a DUI accident that results in injuries can have serious legal consequences under Pennsylvania law. The decisions you make after an arrest can affect your future. 

If you have been charged after a DUI with injury accident, speaking with our Lancaster criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible is one of the most important steps you can take. At Chieppor & Egner, our attorneys help clients understand their rights and build a strong defense tailored to the facts of each case.

Understanding DUI Charges When an Injury Is Involved

When a DUI involves injuries to another person, prosecutors may pursue more serious charges than a standard DUI offense. Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3735.1, a person may be charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence if prosecutors allege they negligently caused serious bodily injury to another person while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

This offense is a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania and carries significantly more severe penalties than a standard DUI conviction, including the possibility of substantial prison time, fines, and a lengthy driver’s license suspension. The severity of the charges often depends on other factors, such as:

• The extent of the injuries

• Your blood alcohol concentration

• Whether controlled substances were involved

• Whether there are any prior DUI convictions

If the injuries are not categorized as serious bodily injury, prosecutors often charge only the underlying DUI, along with any applicable traffic offenses, such as reckless driving or lane violations. 

Steps to Take After a DUI with Injury Accident

After a DUI with an injury accident, it is important to protect both your legal rights and your future. Taking the right steps early may help strengthen your defense as your case moves forward. You should:

• Exercise your right to remain silent until you have spoken with legal counsel.

• Contact Chieppor & Egner as soon as possible so our attorneys can begin reviewing your case and advising you throughout the criminal process.

Even if you believe the evidence against you is overwhelming, there may be legal issues involving the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, chemical testing, or the investigation itself. Our lawyers can thoroughly evaluate every aspect of the case to determine whether your rights were violated or whether the prosecution’s evidence can be challenged.

Choose a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Lancaster, PA

If you have been charged after a DUI with an injury accident, do not wait to seek experienced legal guidance. A criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster from Chieppor & Egner can listen to the full details of your situation and offer their help throughout every stage of your case. Having spent years in the courtroom as former prosecutors, attorneys Jonathan Chieppor and Alex Egner understand all sides of a criminal case. 

Contact our office today online or by calling 717-393-1400 to schedule a free case assessment and learn how we can help you move forward. We take on new clients residing in Lancaster County, Berks County, and York County.