DUI Involving Accidents or Injuries
DUI Involving Accidents or Injuries in Vancouver, WA
If you’ve been charged with a DUI that involves an accident or caused injury to another person, the stakes are significantly higher. In Washington, DUI offenses that result in crashes, property damage, or injuries are treated with far greater seriousness — and often come with enhanced penalties, felony charges, and long-term consequences.
At the Law Office of Adin Johnson, we provide strategic, results-driven defense for individuals facing DUI charges tied to accidents or bodily harm in Vancouver, WA. We understand that one moment can change everything — and we’re here to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Types of DUI Charges We Handle
- First-time DUI offenses
- Repeat or felony DUI
- Cannabis and Drug DUIs
- Underage DUI
- DUI involving accidents or injuries
- High BAC (blood alcohol content) DUI
DUI with Accident or Injury: What You’re Facing
Under Washington law (RCW 46.61.502 and RCW 46.61.522), a driver may be charged with a DUI if they are found to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or drugs. When a DUI incident involves an accident or injuries, the charge can escalate dramatically:
Standard DUI becomes Aggravated DUI when there is an accident
DUI with injury may be charged as Vehicular Assault, a Class B felony
DUI-related accidents resulting in a fatality can lead to Vehicular Homicide, a Class A felony
These charges carry lengthy prison sentences, large fines, felony records, and driver’s license revocation.
Penalties for DUI Involving an Accident or Injury
Depending on the circumstances, you may face:
For a DUI with Accident (No Injury):
Up to 364 days in jail
$990.50 to $5,000 in fines
License suspension
Ignition interlock device (IID)
Increased insurance costs and civil liability
For DUI with Injury (Vehicular Assault):
Up to 10 years in prison
Up to $20,000 in fines
Felony conviction on your criminal record
License revocation for at least 1 year
Mandatory drug/alcohol treatment
For DUI with Death (Vehicular Homicide):
Up to life imprisonment (with a minimum of 6.5 years for a first offense)
Fines up to $50,000
Permanent loss of driving privileges
Felony criminal record
Civil lawsuits for wrongful death
Civil vs. Criminal Consequences
In addition to criminal charges, you may also be held civilly liable for damages in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. These claims are separate from criminal proceedings and can result in massive financial liability, including compensation for:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Funeral expenses (in fatality cases)
Having an experienced DUI Defense attorney by your side is essential to protecting your interests in both criminal and civil court.
How the Law Office of Adin Johnson Can Help
A DUI involving an accident or injury is complex, emotionally charged, and high-risk. You need a defense attorney who is not only skilled in DUI law but also experienced in handling felony DUI cases and accident-related charges.
At the Law Office of Adin Johnson, we offer:
✅ Strategic Case Evaluation
We thoroughly examine all aspects of your case — from the initial traffic stop to accident reports and toxicology results — to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
✅ Accident Reconstruction & Expert Testimony
When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction experts to challenge assumptions about fault, speed, impairment, and cause of injury.
✅ Negotiation for Reduced Charges
If the evidence is strong, we work to negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as treatment programs, electronic monitoring, or probation instead of jail time.
✅ Felony Defense Experience
We have experience defending against vehicular assault and vehicular homicide charges, and we fight to minimize long-term consequences, including felony convictions.
DUI Involving Accidents or Injuries FAQs
What happens if I’m involved in an accident and charged with DUI in Washington?
If you’re involved in a crash and suspected of driving under the influence, you may be charged with a standard DUI, or in more serious cases, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide. These enhanced charges carry severe penalties, including prison time, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record.
Can I be charged with DUI even if the accident wasn’t my fault?
Yes. Fault in the accident and impairment are treated separately. Even if the crash was caused by another driver, you can still be charged with DUI if police believe you were impaired at the time of the accident. However, fault may play a key role in your defense strategy.
What if someone was injured or killed in the crash?
If another person was injured, you may face vehicular assault charges. If the crash resulted in a fatality, you could be charged with vehicular homicide, a Class A felony punishable by up to life in prison. These cases require immediate and experienced legal defense.
Will I lose my driver’s license after a DUI accident?
Very likely. Washington’s Department of Licensing (DOL) may suspend or revoke your license, especially in cases involving injuries. You have the right to request a hearing to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 7 days of arrest.
Can I be sued in civil court if someone was injured in the DUI crash?
Yes. You may face a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in civil court, separate from your criminal case. These lawsuits can result in significant financial damages, including compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses.