DUI and the Accident Report
Importance of Accident Reports in DUI Cases in Los Angeles
When a driver is suspected of driving under the influence and is pulled over by a law enforcement officer, an incident report that contains the details of the situation is usually filled out. However, in incidents where there is a collision involving the driver, another report, known as the accident report, is filled out. This report is crucial for a Los Angeles DUI attorney in handling the case.
What is an Accident Report?
In most cases, law enforcement officers may have to investigate a collision after it has occurred. They arrive at the scene of the incident and have to gather information, such as talking to witnesses and examining evidence, to determine who caused the accident and who was driving the vehicles. An officer with specialized training then does a collision analysis and writes a report.
The report includes a diagram of the accident, pictures of the cars, measurements taken, and a written account of who was driving and how the accident happened. The report is then submitted, and if one of the drivers is arrested for a DUI, a copy of the report is handed over to their Los Angeles DUI attorney.
What Information does the Accident Report Contain?
An accident report describes the details of the accident rather than the DUI specifically. It contains information related to insurance and fault liability. Blood-alcohol content, field sobriety test results and other information related to the DUI are in a separate DUI report that is also given to the defense.
What Do Lawyers Do With Accident Reports?
DUI collisions are viewed more seriously by judges and prosecutors than DUI arrests, which leads to harsher punishments. Therefore, DUI defense lawyers will use any information that could help their clients.
An experienced DUI attorney will scrutinize the accident report for potential errors made by law enforcement officers. For example, they might bring in an accident reconstruction expert to review the report and explain there may have been discrepancies in the officer’s investigation.
Conclusion
In Los Angeles, being involved in a DUI collision attracts steeper penalties than a simple DUI arrest. As such, it is essential to seek representation from a team of experienced DUI lawyers who will help prepare the possible defense for your situation. At Todd Spodek’s law firm, we have a team of Los Angeles DUI lawyers ready to handle your case. Contact us today for professional representation.
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