Two lives were lost and several others were injured as a result of a recent multi-vehicle crash in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland. According to the police report, two of the three vehicles were driving well over the speed limit at the time of the overnight crash, during which the first vehicle was making a left-hand turn and was struck by a second and third vehicle, both of which were speeding. The second vehicle spun out, struck a wall, and caught fire; the driver and front seat passenger both died as a result, and the three rear seat passengers sustained injuries. The third vehicle also struck the first vehicle; the driver of this third vehicle was not injured, but the driver of the first car sustained injuries as a result of the collisions. In addition to speed, police believe that alcohol was also a factor in the accident.
Vehicular Homicide In Ohio
Driving any vehicle comes with a set of responsibilities and failure to meet these responsibilities can often result in tragedy, as with the fatal accident in Glenville. Causing the death of a person while you are driving is known as vehicle homicide and in the state of Ohio, there are actually several variations of this offense. The Ohio Revised Code, Section 2903.06, defines these three types of offenses and sets forth the law regarding the elements of and punishments for each of them: Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Homicide, and Vehicular Manslaughter.
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
The offense of Aggravated Vehicle Homicide can itself be one of three different actions involving causing the death of another person while driving. A driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident that results in another person’s death can be found to have committed this offense. Punishments for this offense, which is classified as a second degree felony, include prison sentences of up to eight years along with mandatory suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license for life as well as monetary penalties including fines of up to $15,000. For a second offense, which would be a first degree felony, the length of incarceration increases to three to 10 years and the fine jumps to $20,000. Aggravated Vehicular Homicide can also be the result of reckless driving, or committing a reckless operation offense while driving through a construction zone that results in someone’s death. In Ohio, recklessness means that the driver knew that his actions were likely to cause an accident but that he ignored the risk of their actions without regard for the consequences of their actions. For these types of offenses, which are classified as third degree felonies, prison time of up to five years along with anywhere from three years up to a lifetime driver’s license suspension can be imposed. Of course, both the classifications and punishments for these crimes can be increased if additional factors are present.
Vehicular Homicide
This offense can be committed by driving in a negligent manner that results in the death of another person. In Ohio, negligence would be the failure to recognize or avoid a risk that could cause a crash that another person who is exercising due care in a similar situation would recognize or avoid. Additionally, a death caused by speeding in a construction zone is also classified as a vehicular homicide. This crime is classified as a first degree misdemeanor which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a one to five year driver’s license suspension which, as with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, can both be increased if there are additional factors at issue.
Vehicular Manslaughter
The last of the three offenses found in this group of driving-related crimes is vehicular manslaughter. This happens when a driver commits a minor misdemeanor traffic offense that results in someone’s death. This type of offense is a second degree misdemeanor for which a defendant can face up to 90 days in jail and a six month to three year suspension of their driver’s license. As with the others, additional factors can result in increased classification and punishments.
The Importance Of Facts
As should be fairly easy to see, the facts make all the difference in cases involving the deaths of those involved in auto accidents. The penalties for these offenses vary widely from state to state, and the facts of each case will dictate which offenses a defendant will be charged with and what penalties will be imposed if he or she is convicted. If your loved one has been killed in an accident resulting from a certain set of facts such as those associated with these types of crimes, it is important that you understand how the specific facts will affect your case. Aside from the criminal aspect of the matter, the facts surrounding an accident also play a significant role in how you will proceed with the civil matter as well.
When You Have Been Injured as a Result of an Accident, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact the legal professionals at the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers . As the victim of an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any losses you have suffered, particularly when the accident was no fault of your own. The right attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case, so you want to be sure to choose wisely from the start. At the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers ,, our experienced auto accident attorneys in Columbus have years of experience handling a wide variety of accident cases. We want you to feel confident that you have made the right choice and will work hard to advocate for your rights. During your initial consultation, your attorney will review the facts of your case and answer questions you may have about your rights and responsibilities under Ohio law. Contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers today so that we may help you get started on the road to a full recovery for your losses.
