A fatal crash was reported this past week within the city of Atlanta. The accident occurred around 2:00 am this past Friday. Atlanta police arrived on the scene to find a deceased female on the ground. The alleged driver who hit the woman with his vehicle left the scene and returned later.

Officers noticed that the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and thus began a DUI investigation.

Any time that there is a demonstration of less safe driving, officers know to be on the lookout for any signs that the suspected driver might be under the influence.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I will show how an accident can be perceived as an example of less safe driving and how it tis related to DUI.

DUI and Accidents in Atlanta

If an accused DUI driver is involved in a car accident, the accident itself can be used to support a DUI charge by showing that the person was less safe to drive depending on the circumstances of the accident.

A car accident may also frustrate a favorable negotiation with the prosecution. Atlanta DUI Penalties are likely to be more severe when a car accident is involved even when no person or property was injured or damaged. Also the accident itself can be used as an indication of less safe driving, which is an element of the DUI offense itself.

Much like if an officer witnesses an alleged traffic violation, if an officer witnesses drivers in distress, he or she has every legal right to approach each vehicle and perform an in-depth investigation.

This can lead to a search of the vehicle or even a DUI investigation.

Practice Note

As you can see if a driver displays any signs of less safe driving, a DUI investigation is likely to be performed.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Atlanta, contact our offices now.