In general, vehicular homicide, also called negligent homicide, involves a person’s death that is the result of a driver’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle, or resulting from operating a vehicle while committing some unlawful act that may not necessarily amount to a felony. The charges are compounded if the negligent driver was drunk, DWI, or under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision.
The victim of a vehicular homicide wrongful death can either be a pedestrian, another motorist, or a cyclist, or the victim can be the passenger in the car, SUV, boat, truck, bus, or motorcycle.
In West Virginia, when the wrongful death of any person happens within one year as a result of injuries received by an individual who is in reckless disregard of the safety of others, the person who caused the collision may be guilty of negligent homicide.
In WV, this crime may be punished by imprisonment for up to one year and/or by a fine of $100.00 to $1,000.00 and that driver may lose his or her license if convicted of negligent homicide.
The term “vehicular homicide” has been discussed lately as Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner faces charges stemming from a deadly four-car accident in which Jenner was involved. One woman was killed in the wreck and others injured.
The police investigation into the deadly four-car accident involving Jenner is finished and the results could lead to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge. The laws pertaining to vehicular homicide have the legal effect of calling a vehicle which is being recklessly driven a potentially deadly or dangerous weapon.
Jenner was driving a black Cadillac SUV that was the third vehicle in a multiple rear-end collision. Jenner’s SUV hit a car from behind, sending it into oncoming traffic where it was hit by another SUV. That driver died at the scene.
Even though Jenner was traveling under the posted speed limit, the investigation determined that Jenner was going at an unsafe speed for the conditions at the time of the collision.
The DC Caller recently featured an editorial that contemplates the question that is on the minds of some: if Jenner is criminally charged and found guilty, does he/she face time in a male or female prison? Of course, this will never happen, as Jenner will hire the best defense attorney available. That’s an interesting question that will have to be decided by the courts, but nevertheless, male or female, that issue would not affect the insurance issues related to the personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from that collision.
As far as compensation for a family who has suffered such a tragic loss due to the negligence of another motorist, insurance may not only be limited to policy limits but also punitive damages resulting in greater compensation may be pursued if the negligence was due to DUI or DWI.
Morgantown Wrongful Death Attorney
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one, provider, or child, just as the offending driver must retain a criminal lawyer for the protection of his or her legal rights, it is imperative that the suffering from that driver’s actions retain an attorney to represent their best interests. The insurance companies are just that, companies most concerned with their bottom line.
To secure your financial future after such a tragic loss, contact a Morgantown personal injury attorney for a free consultation today. 304-594-1800 to speak directly with a National Board Certified Trial Attorney for his opinion of your case based on twenty-five years experience with insurance companies and collision claims.
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