Accidents Involving Criminal Charges
Vehicle accidents are often the result of careless driving. However, some accidents may be caused by something more. Read on to find out how two different types of cases can result from the same accident situation.
Reckless Driving Accidents
When a driver is charged with reckless driving, they are charged with one of the most serious of all traffic offenses. This kind of thing is not like most offenses because the charges are based on alleged purposeful behavior by the driver. In other words, they made a conscious decision to, for instance, weave in and out of traffic and caused an accident.
Other reckless driving accidents include:
- Blowing through several red lights and stop signs
- Going well over the speed limit
- Eluding and fleeing from law enforcement
- Using devices like cell phones and more while driving
- Racing with other vehicles
Drunk Driving Accidents
Another unfortunately common way drivers cause accidents is by being intoxicated. Driving under the influence (DUI) encompasses intoxication by any type of substance, from alcohol and marijuana to opioids and meth, while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Some states categorize this type of offense as reckless driving, but many add separate DUI charges. In addition, authorities can ramp the DUI up to a felony level when an accident with injuries occurs.
How the Cases Affect Each Other
If you have been hurt by another driver, it may not be an accident. Although the driver might deny aiming for you personally, they failed to use due care and their actions were negligent. Cases in which the driver was also charged with a crime can mean several things for a personal injury case:
- Accident fault is more certain since the driver charged with a crime likely also caused the accident
- The victim may be entitled to victim restitution funds and more
- The other driver's insurer may be more eager to offer an adequate settlement to avoid a court trial
If the victim does take the personal injury case to court, they may be awarded in excess of the usual damages like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs. The jury could elect to add punitive damages to the judgment, which could be several times the amount the case might have settled for.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don't overlook this aspect of things. While not all of those charged with crimes intentionally caused the accident, you have the right to be compensated for the way their behavior affected your life.
Reach out to local car accident lawyers for more information.
Share