Vehicular Manslaughter and Homicide
When a person is killed through the negligent operation of a car, truck, or other vehicle, the perpetrator may be found guilty of vehicular manslaughter or, depending on the level of intent, vehicular homicide. Almost all U.S. states have statutes that create laws specifically dealing with these charges.
The nature of these laws means that a car can be treated as a deadly weapon, just like a gun or knife, leading to harsh sentences and penalties. Though nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one, knowing that the responsible driver is held accountable for your loved one’s death can at least bring you peace of mind.
Impaired Drivers
Impairment due to alcohol or drugs is a common issue that must be confronted in vehicular homicide and manslaughter cases. There is little question that an intoxicated driver puts others in undue peril and greatly increases the chances of a fatal accident. Here are a few important legal facts to remember about impaired driving:
- Intoxication cannot be used as a full defense in vehicular manslaughter or homicide cases, or any other legal cases.
- Drunk drivers’ actions may be determined to be so reckless that there is an implied intent to kill, even if they did not consciously intend to harm anyone.
- An unimpaired driver may still face charges of vehicular manslaughter or homicide.
Impaired driving is a serious and dangerous offense and should not go unpunished.
Contact Us
If your loved one was killed in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you should make sure that the person responsible is held accountable for his or her actions. You may also be entitled to compensation. To find out more about the possibility of raising charges of vehicular manslaughter or homicide, call 770-631-1811 to contact the Atlanta car accident lawyers of Webb, Wade, Taylor & Thompson, LLC today.
