Criminal Charges Related to a Fatal Car Accident

In many states across the United States, it is becoming increasingly common to see charges being placed against people who kill someone due to a motor accident, so long as it was their fault. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges due to a deadly car accident, those charges are likely to fall under one of two categories: vehicular manslaughter or negligent homicide. Depending on the charges that are being faced and the details of the incident, the accused may be facing a misdemeanor or a felony, which could make a significant difference in the penalties that come along with those charges.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Becoming the standard in nearly every state in the United States, this charge deals with people who cause a fatal car accident. Depending on events leading up to the fatal accident, this can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Take for example, someone who was drinking before the accident, and was drunk when they caused it. This person will likely face a felony. Someone who did it because they ran a red light may only face a misdemeanor.

Negligent Homicide

Not as common as vehicular manslaughter, this charge is just like it sounds – a death caused by negligence with the driver. Say a driver did not hit the brakes in time because they were not paying attention, and ran into someone straight on while passing a car; this would likely be negligent homicide. Essentially, this charge is typically given to a fairly normal person who truly did not mean for the accident to happen, and had no prior issues leading to the event.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges related to a fatal car accident, contact the lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi today.