1 post from July 2009

In the blog “Man Pleads not Guilty in Vehicular Manslaughter Case,” the author reported on the possible punishment that will be met on the driver that is charged for gross vehicular manslaughter.

According to the author, if convicted, the defendant could face up to six years in prison.

Thus is the nature of car accidents, once another person is harmed or fatally injured. Instead of worrying about just a civil suit, the defendant will have to face criminal charges as well.

The family of the victim, while pursuing justice through a criminal conviction, will also pursue (if not already) a civil suit against the defendant.

If the jury convicts the defendant for the criminal charges, it is likely to follow that the family will also win the “wrongful death suit” and claim damages from the defendant and his insurance company.

Although it is not about the money, the surviving family of the victim should be compensated for all the loss they incurred during this ordeal.

This should include lost income, medical expenses, funeral expenses and other expenses.

They should also receive damages due to the pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Punitive damages can also be awarded to dissuade the defendant or any other people from repeating the same mistakes.