When most people think of auto accidents, they think about the damages that result such as physical injuries and property damage. But the police investigation may reveal the point of negligence. Charges may then be filed against one or both of the parties, depending on the circumstances.
Common Reasons And Faults For Auto Accidents
Drivers are distracted more than ever before. The most common causes include:
- Texting/talking on a cell phone while driving—the National Safety Council estimates that 26% of car crashes are cell phone related. The NSC also says that two out of three accidents in parking lots may be due to people talking and/or texting while driving through the parking lot. Whether talking, texting, streaming music, or using a GPS/mapping app, it splits your attention between the phone and the road. If you’re using your phone for directions, review the trip before you leave, and place your device where you can see it. Turn the volume all the way up so you don’t have to look at it.
- Other in-cab distractions—children, pets, and other passengers can also be distracting. In most states, children are required to be in car seats, and all passengers must be buckled up. Animals riding in passenger vehicles should be in traveling crates, car seats similar to a child’s, or for larger dogs, buckled in with the seat belt. With both children and pets, always lock back seat power windows to prevent dogs from opening the windows and jumping or children falling out.
- Personal grooming—if you’ve ever seen someone applying makeup while driving, especially mascara on eyelashes, you’ll understand why this can cause an accident.
- Looking away from the road for any other reason—whether you’re changing the radio station or passing an accident and observing, anytime you take your eyes off the road, you increase your chances of an accident.
- Weather conditions and road defects are also causes of car crashes.
Most states have laws about driving and cell phone use, even with hands-free options, and an officer can issue a ticket. If the accident is more serious, and includes injuries and/or fatalities, vehicular manslaughter or other related charges could result.
Drunk Driving (Driving Under The Influence)
A driver found to be under the influence can face a range of charges, including DWI, reckless driving, and others.Despite DWI is a serious charge in Kansas City, people still choose to drive after consuming alcohol. Even a first-time offense can lead to jail time, high fines and legal costs, the loss of a driver’s license and driving privileges, and potential problems with employment, especially if it involves driving.Furthermore, a criminal conviction brings more problems in the future, including employment, housing, education, and more.
Auto Accidents With Fatalities
In June of this year, a woman was charged with failure to stop after an accident in Kansas City that killed the driver of a van. In February, a man faced multiple charges after running a stop sign and killing two people. The charges included two counts of second-degree murder, leaving the scene of an accident, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and driving with a revoked license.Individuals who are involved in an accident that includes a fatality may be charged with a specific infraction like failure to stop, reckless driving, and vehicular manslaughter. Other charges may be added accordingly. However, not all of these types of accidents will result in criminal charges.If no charges are filed, the surviving spouse or other family members may file a wrongful death civil suit against the other driver. The deceased’s family members may recover damages on behalf of the decedent, including:
- Funeral/burial expenses
- Medical expenses that resulted from the deceased’s injuries
- Pain & suffering prior to the time of death (if the victim didn’t die immediately)
- Survivor’s loss of consortium/companionship as a result of death.
Accidents with fatalities occur more often than they should, and are devastating for the friends and family members left behind. Missouri law gives survivors the right to seek damages from the driver who was responsible for the accident.
KC’s Premier Auto Accident Law Firm
Since 1918, The Popham Law Firm has helped hundreds of people in all kinds of accident cases, from simple fender benders to accidents involving injuries and property damage. We’ll be happy to review your case, let you know if you have one, and how to proceed. Contact us at (844) 243-2288 or use our online contact form to get started.
