Car accidents are prevalent in the United States. On average, there are over 6 million passenger car accidents annually in the US. Talk to an attorney today if you have been in a car accident and have been injured in Toledo. A good attorney will help you determine the nature of your case, gather evidence and witnesses, and help you with the legal process.
Types of cases
If you have been in a car accident, one of the questions you may be asking is whether you can be filed with criminal charges. To know this, you must first determine the nature of your case.
There are two court systems in the United States that handle civil and criminal cases separately. However, there are times when two or more cases coincide. There are many differences between a civil case and a criminal case. The behavior that led to the injury is the key determining factor in whether it is a civil or criminal case.
If a person causes injury due to careless actions or negligence, it is most likely a civil case. A civil case can include anything from financial loss to wrongful death cases.
However, if a person knowingly breaks the law and causes injury, they will face criminal charges. Criminal cases include things like murder, assault, and theft.
Is your car accident criminal?
Most traffic accidents are not criminal, but there are some cases when the diver may face criminal charges. Here are some cases in which the car accident may cause the driver to face criminal charges:
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Driving under influence
Every year, more than one million drivers are arrested in the United States alone for driving under the influence of alcohol. These accidents are termed “DUI accidents,” They can cause injuries and deaths and a massive loss of property. Every state has strict penalties for people convicted of driving under the influence.
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Hit and run
Sadly, hit-and-run cases occur very frequently in the United States. Most of the time, victims of hit-and-run cases are left to deal with the damages and medical bills independently.
Perpetrators of hit-and-run cases can face huge fines and long jail times. If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run case, contact an experienced lawyer.
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Reckless driving
Driving without regard for the traffic rules and without regard for the safety of others is called reckless driving. If a driver causes injury or property damage due to reckless driving, they are likely to face criminal charges.
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Vehicular manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter occurs when another person dies due to the driver’s failure to operate their vehicle properly and responsibly. It can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the case.
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Fleeing the police
One of the worst things you can do is flee the police. This can lead to criminal charges as well.
