San Jose Trucking Accident Lawyer
Vehicular Manslaughter
In the state of California, vehicular manslaughter is a crime that is committed when a person kills another person during a motor vehicle accident. Like homicide, vehicular manslaughter involves one person terminating the life of another person. However, unlike homicide, people who commit vehicular manslaughter use a car, SUV or truck to kill another person instead of a gun, knife or other weapon.
Another factor that separates vehicular manslaughter from homicide is the concept of negligence. Negligence is legally defined as the "failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances." In cases involving vehicular manslaughter, one driver would have to partake in reckless or negligent driving behaviors that lead to an accident occurring and result in the death of another person. Negligent driving behaviors may vary from speeding, to driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
People who commit vehicular manslaughter may be punished in two ways. First, if they are convicted of vehicular manslaughter, the criminal courts may sentence them with jail time, fines, probation and driver's license suspension. Second, if the families of deceased victims decide to take civil action, offenders may have to pay families monetary damages for their tragic losses.
Wrongful Death Claims & Vehicular Manslaughter
After families have lost their dearest loved ones due to vehicular manslaughter and driver negligence, they may be permitted to file wrongful death claims. Wrongful death claims enable families to collect compensation for numerous things that range from their lost loved ones' funeral expenses, to punitive damages for their loss of companionship. In order to file wrongful death claims and initiate the legal process, it is always advised that families work with a skilled personal injury lawyer. In cases where victims were killed by truck driver or trucking company negligence, families should hire a personal injury lawyer that has extensive truck accident case experience.
San Jose Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney
The attorneys at Wallin & Sauer are committed to protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery so you don't have to settle with negligent parties or insurance companies. If you are ready to work with a skilled San Jose vehicular manslaughter lawyer, contact Wallin & Sauer today!