Recently, an Oregon driver was pulled from his burning vehicle before being charged with drunk driving. According to police, the 43-year-old man was driving late one evening when he came to a T-intersection. Instead of turning left or right, police say the man drove straight through the intersection where he eventually hit an ODOT sign and continued down an embankment. The man's car eventually came to a stop nearly 50 feet from the roadway near a local creek. At this point, police allege that the man's car started on fire.
Thankfully for the driver, a local resident heard the crash and responded to the scene. This resident was able to pull the man out of the car before it was fully engulfed in flames. Eventually police and rescue workers arrived on scene and took the driver to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Despite his injuries, the man was still charged with DUII, second degree criminal mischief and reckless driving. This man could face serious penalties as a result of these charges including driver's license suspension, jail time or a large fine.
While responding to an accident, police officers first concern is often making sure people are safe or are getting the appropriate medical treatment. However, once the initial danger has passed, police turn to their investigation. Police immediately begin to gather evidence that would prove that people had broken some law. In DUII cases, police are looking for evidence that a person's blood alcohol level was above the legal limit at the time of the accident.
People charged with DUII, or other alcohol related charges, need to be as proactive as the police in preparing for their defense. These charges are serious and should not be taken lightly. People need to know and understand their legal rights as soon as possible following DUI or DUII charges.
Source: KVAL, "Police: DUII driver pulled from burning car off of Hwy 126W," Aug. 11, 2013
