A fatal car crash is likely traumatizing for everyone involved. The driver at fault for the collision may feel intense guilt and may struggle to move on with their life after the collision. The survivors and surviving family members of the people who died because of the crash may also experience grief, trauma and financial complications.
The party at fault for a collision is often subject to financial claims from the people affected by the wreck. In scenarios involving fatal car crashes, state prosecutors can also sometimes bring felony charges against the driver accused of causing the wreck.
When does a deadly crash become vehicular manslaughter?
Vehicular manslaughter involves causing a death through the reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Florida pursues vehicular manslaughter cases in scenarios where adults or viable fetuses die because of a preventable crash.
Overtly reckless driving or drunk driving could both lead to vehicular manslaughter charges. Vehicular manslaughter is usually a second-degree felony. The motorist facing the charges is at risk of up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, along with any restitution they may owe or damages awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit.
In cases where the driver at fault fails to stop and assist the other people involved in the crash, the state could pursue first-degree felony charges that carry up to 30 years in prison. If the case involves allegations of intoxication, the accused driver faces a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison and a permanent driver’s license revocation.
Anyone accused of vehicular manslaughter or other felony crimes may need assistance responding to those accusations. Contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney can help motorists in South Florida fight the charges they face.