Car Accident Civil or Criminal

May 23, 2017

Car Accident Civil or Criminal

What Kind of Charges Are a Car Accident?

Car accidents are classified generally as a civil charge, but there are cases that set it aside to criminal. It is important to understand what you could face, or what someone else could face and your rights being on either side of the accident. If you hit someone, you are required to remain at the incident site, exchange information about personal and insurance, and follow up through the process with police. With no one getting this is most likely to occur as a civil charge. You will proceed to call your insurance, and possibly pay a fine if you are found at fault of the accident.

If you are involved in a accident but you flee the scene, it will be considered a “hit and run”. This is a case where you could be charged with a criminal charge. It does not matter if you hit a car or if you hit a person, you need to stay where you are and seek the help of police. The charges will vary in severity, and with a possible range of a ticket/fine, loss of driving privilege, higher insurance premium to felony charge and/or jail time. Leaving an accident that you are a part of, will create more issues for you then the original incident. It is always better to stay

Causes of a Criminal Charge

Another instance where serious charges have potential to be implemented is when driver is inebriated or under the influence of any drug substance. This would report a charge of DUI/DWI/DWAI and depending on the levels that show up in your system and the number of you offense (first, second, third) could result in a minor fine, to a more major fine. Penalties can include jail time, driving program, and other sentencing methods, like outside alternatives. If someone sustains severe injuries, including death, you face a very serious felony charge.

The last instance is for reckless driving; that wiki describes as, a mental state in which the driver displays a wanton disregard for the rules of the road; the driver misjudges common driving procedures, often causing accidents and other damages. Any wreckage or injuries that take place could be the responsibility of the individual found guilty. If the driver is at fault but another person’s death can be proven to be an accident where there is no reckless driving the criminal charges will be unlikely, but the driver may still face a civil lawsuit.

Car Accident Lawyers

With what can occur, you can always call your car accident attorneys at Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law and trust they will fight for you. There are options. The road can be a dangerous place, and accidents do happen at fault and without fault; the best thing you can do is drive with a clear head and if something happens, stay at the scene.

 

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