If an accident has caused someone’s death, then an investigator would check to see if any of the involved drivers had committed an act of negligence, before that particular crash took place. If the evidence were to show that one of the drivers had been negligent, then he or she could be charged with vehicular manslaughter or homicide.
In most states, any drivers that have been hit with such a charge suffer the sort t of punishment that matches with the nature of their violation. Still, specifics about that punishment could differ, if the accident had resulted in markedly serious consequences.
How the driver’s punishment would match with the nature of the violation/crime.
If the driver’s negligence had consisted of moving at unsafe speeds, texting while at the steering wheel, or following too closely, then he or she might have to pay a fine, and get up to 6 months in prison.
If the driver’s negligence had involved reckless driving, then the he or she would have to spend more time in jail, and pay a much larger fine. Moreover, the same driver might have his or her license suspended for a given amount of time, according to Personal Injury Lawyer in Edmonton.
If it could be shown that the responsible party had demonstrated an indifference to the life of others, then that same indifferent individual could receive a punishment that was similar to one that would be given to someone that has committed a felony. It is even possible the it could be like the punishment given to someone that has committed a 2nd degree murder.
How would a legal proceeding attempt to show that a given driver had demonstrated an indifference to the life of others?
The circumstances surrounding a situation where an accident has caused a death help to point out those factors that could suggest an indifference to life.
Was the responsible motorist guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol? The legal community views such an act as an example of showing an indifference towards others.
Had the responsible motorist killed more than one victim? Had he or she hit any police officers? Had he or she been driving with a suspended license? Had that responsible motorist caused a crash at a school crossing or in a construction zone? All of those would be viewed as acts performed by an indifferent individual.
Sometimes the person responsible for committing such a violation might get hit with an especially harsh sentence. Some states have guidelines that can force a judge to issue what appears to be an overly harsh ruling. Still, a higher authority, such as a governor could overrule on the judge’s decision.