Morgantown DUI Injury Lawyer

Morgantown DUI Injury Attorney

An injury in a DUI accident can be a terrifying event, both for the person injured and the person facing charges of driving under the influence. The legal system can get complex fast, so having a Morgantown DUI injury lawyer on your side can guide you through the process and support you through these potentially life-changing charges.

How We Can Help

Patrick Crowe has years of experience defending not only those who have been accused of driving under the influence, but also those who have caused DUI injuries. Because of this, he understands the ins and outs of DUI injury laws and can confidently tailor his experience to your specific needs and circumstances.

Our team is dedicated to helping each of our clients receive personalized attention and is passionate about justice. We serve clients in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, including those in Morgantown. We are committed to helping you secure the optimal outcome and can apply compassion and professionalism to each case.

DUI Injuries in West Virginia

In the United States, around 34 people are fatally injured in car accidents involving DUIs every day. This number doesn’t account for those DUI injuries, which are likely more. In West Virginia, the type of injury can determine the type of charges filed against the driver who was under the influence.

If someone in the accident received a serious injury, then the charges could be elevated to a felony charge. A serious injury is defined as:

• Causing death, including that of a fetus or embryo
• Substantial risk of death
• Serious disfigurement
• Extended health issues
• Losing an organ or the function of an organ

Because this could result in a felony charge, the consequences are harsh. They could include:

• Imprisonment between 3 and 15 years
• A fine between $1,000-3,000
• License revocation up to 10 years or longer, depending on whether this was a first-time offense

A DUI injury that doesn’t meet the serious injury qualifications might be charged with a misdemeanor, which could mean:

• Jail time from one day up to one year
• A fine between $200-1,000
• Loss of license for two years or longer if it is a second offense

Facing a DUI Injury Claim

Beyond facing consequences with the law for the DUI injury, the person injured may file a DUI injury claim. If you are facing a DUI injury claim, having a Morgantown DUI injury lawyer can be crucial. Your insurance is likely to either raise your premiums or drop you altogether, so it’s important to have someone on your side.

Contact your insurance right away so that you can give them notice of what has happened. If you are facing criminal charges, it might be wise to ask your attorney to contact them for you.

If someone decides to file a claim against you, you’ll usually receive a claim notice letter. If you receive this type of letter, notify your DUI injury lawyer as soon as possible so that they can help you through the next steps and prepare to negotiate on your behalf.

Hire a DUI Injury Lawyer

If you hire a DUI injury lawyer, they have the skills and experience to guide you through this. Facing criminal charges can affect the rest of your life, so having someone who is ready to advocate for you can make a huge impact. A DUI injury lawyer is able to:

• Explain the DUI charges and the potential consequences
• Provide personalized legal advice
• Build a strong defense strategy
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Represent you in court at the Monongalia County Courthouse on High Street in Morgantown or elsewhere
• Appeal court rulings

Having an experienced DUI injury lawyer can make a difference in your outcome. They work hard on your behalf and can provide you with reliable guidance every step of the way.

FAQs

What Is a DUI with Bodily Injury in WV?

West Virginia statutes define two different types of DUI bodily injuries. How the law is prosecuted depends on the seriousness of the injury. A serious injury results in a risk of death, serious or long-lasting disfigurement, long-term health impairments, or loss or impairment of an organ. People who receive DUI injuries that aren’t as serious are still able to file a DUI injury claim and may seek damages for their injury.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a DUI Injury Claim in WV?

A DUI injury claim in West Virginia must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. The statute of limitations applies to anyone seeking to file an injury claim, not just DUI injuries. Filing as soon as possible after the accident can help keep witness memories clear, evidence fresh, and medical records up-to-date. Hire a Morgantown DUI injury lawyer to help you move forward.

How to Get Out of a DUI in West Virginia?

To get out of a DUI in West Virginia, your DUI injury lawyer could use a few strategies. One involves presenting a case that your rights were infringed during the arrest or afterward. Another is to provide evidence that the breathalyzer was incorrect, either due to a broken mechanism or because of a health condition. Someone with diabetes might fail the breathalyzer even if they haven’t had any alcohol. Another possible defense could be questioning the reason for the stop.

How Long Do You Lose Your License for a DUI in WV?

How long you lose your license after a DUI depends on the circumstances surrounding the DUI, especially if there was an injury. A serious injury might increase the charge to a felony, which could lead to imprisonment between two and ten years, a fine between $1,000 to $3,000, and loss of license for up to ten years. A less serious injury might lead to a misdemeanor, facing jail time, a smaller fine, and license revocation for five years.

Contact Crowe Law, LLC

At Crowe Law, LLC, we work tirelessly to defend our clients and devote ourselves to providing support through every step of the process. We want to make sure you receive fair treatment and can use our years of experience to develop a solid strategy for your defense. A DUI injury can affect the rest of your life, so don’t wait to reach out.

Contact our office today to find out how we can help you and to schedule a consultation.