Affordable Options After a Negligence Behind the Wheel
There are a lot of scenarios that result in a license suspension, including DUI, DWI, and reckless driving. You may have made a bad judgement call, which resulted in your license being revoked. A revoked license can spell years of financial disarray, especially post DUI or DWI. You’ll have difficulties getting to-and-from work, as well as you’ll be forced to pay fines, and you could potentially see your insurance rate increase.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure as little financial damage as possible.
Steps to Take at the Scene
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding it, a car accident is a difficult thing to face. Your first order of business is to ensure the people in your car are not injured. Dial 911 even if everyone is fine because you’ll need a police officer to record the accident. Then, check on the occupants of the other vehicles. Are they in need of medical attention?
Remember: you may be sued if you caused the accident, so it’s important to take every step seriously and ensure everyone receives the medical attention they need. Even if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not flee the scene. This will only reflect poorly on you later. On the other hand, if you handle the situation with maturity and notify the proper authorities, this will reflect well on you and may result in leniency from the courts, especially if it’s your first offense.
Facing the Consequences
Despite your decision to use substances and operate a moving vehicle (or, your decision to drive recklessly), you do have legal recourse. You should get an attorney, and if this is your first offense your attorney will make a plea to the court. He will ask that the court to consider your clean driving record and the charges may be reduced.
A reduced charge may allow you to keep your license. If you’re charged with reckless driving, DWI, or DUI you’re likely to lose your license for a period of time. Your attorney may attempt to garner you a conditional license, but this will only allow you to drive during certain hours and to certain destinations, such as to work.
Insurance after a Suspension or License Revocation
Your insurance company will discover your suspension or revocation. They may even drop you from your policy, and force you to seek out other coverage. Unfortunately, new coverage is going to come with a higher premium because insurance companies will see you as high risk. Moreover, the Department of Motor Vehicles may require that you garner high-risk insurance for yourself before your license can be reinstated.
The best thing you can do is to shop around online for affordable SR22 insurance. These policies protect you financially and provide proof to the DMV that you’ve garnered high-risk insurance for yourself and your vehicle. SR22 insurance can insure you even if you have a conditional or suspended license. At this time, it’s the only insurance of its type.
Do not forgo insurance after a serious accident even if it seems unaffordable. Another accident could cost you your license for a lifetime, and possibly result in imprisonment because it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without the proper insurance. Unfortunately, negligence is expensive, but if you value your finances and your personal freedom, you’ll take the necessary steps to handle the situation with maturity.
18 Comments
Natalie
I know a friend who has had her license taken away because of drinking and driving. It is a serious offense.
Nikolina
As always, really enjoyed reading the entire post, thank you!
Angelica
This is great information and what a great resource for people facing these problems. I’ve known a few people who had to deal with DUI’s and it was a complete disaster in every aspect. I don’t really understand how hard it is not to drink and drive though, but people do it and ruin their lives all the time. Paying for a taxi cab and a parking ticket for leaving your car overnight is completely worth it to avoid the possibility of harming yourself and others.
Marnie G (Derrick Todd)
This mistake is definitely not cheap. I think many people often don’t think of the long term consequences.
Pamela Gurganus
I’m very fortunate that I’ve never needed services like this, but I know someone who currently does and I’m going to share this post and information with them. Thank you for sharing.
Rosie
I won’t even have a drop of alcohol and drive. It is too risky. Neither text or use a cell phone while driving even if at a light. I worked in an area where large claims were handled, you’d be amazed how easy it is to get into an accident that is your fault, and you will pay the consequences for a very long time.
Tiana
I got in a fender-bender with minimal damage and my I surname crooks raised my rates high! I can’t imagine the rates this would entail! =(
Sherry Keef
I was involved in an accident and all these points that you make herein are to be remembered in the case they experience the same.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
abby pafford
I don’t drink and never mind being the DD! Just hate the dangers on the road for others who do drink and drive! It only takes a second for lives to be changed
Sue E
I THANK GOD that I had the common sense not to drink & drive!! I could NOT live with myself if I knew that I hurt or caused someone pain!!! Or any of their loved ones!! Believe me, we have had our share of car accident pain and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody!! Now texting while driving makes me so MAD!!! IT CAN WAIT – we DID it and lived!!
Sarah L
Very good information. Don’t drink & drive. Period.
Rachel Beltz
I hope that I never have to take these steps… but they are so important to keep at hand and on the mind! Even if I don’t need them, I should keep them on hand for friends and family! Thank you for sharing!
Laura
I hope that I never have to go through this, but thank you for the interesting information.
Kelly
I think that everyone has a right to have good defense, and someone to help them weigh their options to best protect themselves. I think it is really sad that people continue to make poor decisions when choosing to drive or not. However, I think the laws can be really silly and hard to deal with, so it is good that services like this exist.
Sherry Keef
I hope to never need this service.
Lindsey L
I know someone who has had to have high risk insurance before which I think was SR22 and it was not cheap!
Tamra Phelps
I hope I never need their services, lol, but I agree it is a good idea to get a lawyer in a case like this.
KATE SARSFIELD
I got a DUI about 10 years ago: a chance checkpoint at 8am on my way to work one Monday morning after a couple of drinks the night before. Never again. I couldn’t believe I was over the limit but at least no-one else was involved. The hassle of trying to organise lifts for the 2 hour commute was hell as was the court case AND it was reported in the local paper. I was so embarrassed & it certainly taught me a lesson.