If you have engaged in reckless or illegal activity while driving and are in a car accident, you could be facing both criminal and civil repercussions. Staring down possible legal entanglements can feel like you are about to encroach upon the vast unknown. This is especially true if you have no familiarity with the legal system. An attorney may be a useful way of providing you with information to the process you are about to endure and the legal representation you may be in need of.
Criminal Charges from a Car Accident
In some cases, causing a car accident can lead to criminal charges. Not all accidents result in a this particular circumstance. Sometimes, accidents are not preventable, meaning, when a person is behaving in a reasonable and responsible manner, it’s not likely that they will have to face criminal charges. However, when a person is behaving negligently and/or recklessly, they may suffer the consequences. Examples of car accidents that may result in criminal charges can include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Evading police officers
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Hit and Runs
Unfortunately, poor judgement and bad behavior when driving can lead to disastrous outcomes. As a result, you may face significant consequences if convicted:
- Emotional guilt over the pain you have caused someone else
- Fines
- Prison Time
- Loss of Driver’s License
- Your insurance may sky rocket
- Probation
- Permanent mark on your record
- A civil suit may be brought against you
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is probably in your best interest if you find yourself facing criminal charges from a car accident. The sooner they are able to become involved, the more knowledgeable they may be able to be regarding your case.
Paying Damages in Civil Court
When a person has fallen victim to an accident, they may suffer damages as a result. Damages are a way that the civil process can make a person feel whole again following an accident. Damages are designed to provide a person with financial compensation for their losses. Common types of damages that a victim may suffer in a car accident may include:
- Property Damage (car)
- Medical Expenses
- Doctors Bills
- Ambulance Costs
- Medication
- Costs associated with additional specialized treatments
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Consortium
- Pain and Suffering
- Wrongful Death
The idea is that the damages awarded should help to make a person cover the expenses or losses they have experienced from the accident.
Enduring Both Criminal and Civil Court
Going through criminal and civil court at the same time can get complicated. Because of this, your attorney may advise you not to answer any questions or provide any information surrounding a civil case so that you do not put yourself at risk for incriminating yourself further. As a result, a judge may be able to determine whether or not one of the legal proceedings should be postponed for a later date. Depending on your particular situation, you may require the legal counsel of both a criminal defense and civil attorney.
A criminal defense lawyer State College, PA may be an important component to criminal charges you may be facing following a car accident you are being held responsible for. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that you are able to obtain the legal defense you might require.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at De Boef Lucchesi, PC for their insight into criminal charges and car accidents.