Sonar
Member
Hi, I am looking for some help and advice as I am in a real mess over this. I made a huge mistake and feel totally ashamed.
I had about 7 pints over the course of an afternoon (first one about 2pm until 8pm). I stupidly got in my car after a taxi didn’t arrive as I was tired and cold. I pulled over near home and had a sleep. I awoke about 9pm and realised I had not put my handbrake on and the car rolled into a bollard. Car was trashed but I was unhurt and thank god no one else was.
Some onlookers called the police and I was taken to hospital where they took bloods about 3am. I admitted I had been drinking but cannot remember doing a breath test. They drove me to my sisters house after the hospital as I’d recently had broken ribs and the police said they were worried about any head injuries as I live alone.
I broke my ribs 2 months before and been very depressed. I had hardly been drinking prior to this but was out with a heavy drinker and kept up with them, but should say it’s not their fault, although looking back I was pretty vulnerable and feeling depressed beforehand...
I have no prior convictions. I’ve already got a letter from the council about the cost of the bollard that I hit. My car is written off. I have some questions:
Many thanks for any advice as I’m feeling desperate and ashamed. I feel like a total leper. People regard drink driving as the lowest crime, even if you didn’t hurt anyone else and you have a history of depression or other mental health issues. I feel sick with worry.
Thank you.
I had about 7 pints over the course of an afternoon (first one about 2pm until 8pm). I stupidly got in my car after a taxi didn’t arrive as I was tired and cold. I pulled over near home and had a sleep. I awoke about 9pm and realised I had not put my handbrake on and the car rolled into a bollard. Car was trashed but I was unhurt and thank god no one else was.
Some onlookers called the police and I was taken to hospital where they took bloods about 3am. I admitted I had been drinking but cannot remember doing a breath test. They drove me to my sisters house after the hospital as I’d recently had broken ribs and the police said they were worried about any head injuries as I live alone.
I broke my ribs 2 months before and been very depressed. I had hardly been drinking prior to this but was out with a heavy drinker and kept up with them, but should say it’s not their fault, although looking back I was pretty vulnerable and feeling depressed beforehand...
I have no prior convictions. I’ve already got a letter from the council about the cost of the bollard that I hit. My car is written off. I have some questions:
- Is it a waste of time making an insurance claim, will I just have to suck up the cost myself?
- I am paying £2500 for a barrister/solicitor. Is it too much? Seems like a lot compared to what I have read on this forum. I was so scared and messed up I just took the first one without much research.
- I know my blood reading will be over the limit but does anyone know how much?
- Does any mitigation in court ever work? Physical and mental problems don’t seem to count for anything in court as far as I can tell.
- Is it worth buying a cheap car until I know the outcome of my case? Has anyone done this? I live in a semi rural location so am struggling without it. Or is it just throwing money away until I know?
Many thanks for any advice as I’m feeling desperate and ashamed. I feel like a total leper. People regard drink driving as the lowest crime, even if you didn’t hurt anyone else and you have a history of depression or other mental health issues. I feel sick with worry.
Thank you.