Arrested After a Fatal Car Crash? Here’s What You Need to Do
A car crash is inherently a terrifying situation. However, if the crash causes fatalities, the situation gets much worse! You might face severe criminal charges and penalties.
That’s exactly why you need an expert legal counsel to back you up. They can make you aware of the proceedings and also help you protect your rights. So, if you have been involved in a car accident, make sure to hire a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer in the first place.
That being said, let’s take a look at the types of deadly car crashes and the charges that come associated with them.
Types of Fatal Car Crashes and Their Charges
When it comes to fatal car crashes, two common criminal charges follow-
Homicide by vehicle/ Vehicular homicide: You can get charged with vehicular homicide if you broke a traffic law, which led to the death of another person. This accounts for being reckless or negligent operation of a vehicle. A vehicular homicide can get you a charge of a third-degree felony.
That being said, here are some instances of reckless driving, or grossly negligent driving-
- Speeding
- Driving without lights to stay undetectable
- Intentionally running a red light or a stop sign
Homicide by vehicle with DUI: You can get charged with a second-degree felony if a DUI leads to the death of another person. Such cases carry a minimum of three years of imprisonment, which can increase up to ten years per victim!
Added to that, you can also face penalties of $25,000 per victim and a license suspension of three years or more.
Also, not every fatal car accident attracts felony charges! You can also face lesser charges like reckless driving, operating your phone while driving, or fleeing the scene of an accident (hit-and-run). Whatever the case may be, seeking help from a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer in incidents involving fatality is crucial.
Now, what you need to understand is that the prosecution must have enough evidence to file charges against you. And you also have the right to defend your rights against the charges.
But, how is this possible? Well, you are innocent until proven guilty! That’s why the prosecution takes the responsibility of the burden of proof to showcase that you should face a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
Along with that, the law also distinguishes vehicular homicide caused by breaking traffic law from fatalities caused becuase of a DUI. So, if you have been involved in a case of homicide by vehicle, here are some factors that can contribute to the charges being levied against you-
- Whether you have any prior criminal history.
- Whether there is any proof of intoxication or drug usage.
- The place of the accident.
- Your age.
- Your driving record.
- If your license is valid, or you were driving with a suspended license
Steps to Take if You Are in Such a Situation
If you find yourself in such a situation, here are some steps you can take that can help improve the outcome of your case-
Don’t try to resist an arrest
You might be arrested for the incident. So, at that time, don’t try to resist arrest, or the case might turn into something even more complicated.
Don’t admit your fault
Remember, the moment you admit your fault, it’s going to have some serious adverse consequences. So, stay calm, and exercise your right to remain silent.
Express regret
At times, the court reacts favorably if it sees that you are regretful for your actions. However, discuss this with your lawyer first, and they can help you advise what to do best.
Call your attorney
Lastly, don’t take one step further without consulting a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. If the cops ask questions, just decline politely and say you will speak when your lawyer arrives.
Also, you’ll have another opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. So, make sure to discuss this scenario with your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer and follow their instructions closely.
We at the Logue Law Group are experts when it comes to vehicular homicide cases. So, if you’ve been involved in a fatal car crash, make sure to hire our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers right away. Call us at 844.PITT.DUI to book an appointment.