If you or someone you know has been involved in a situation where a person was hit on purpose with a car, you probably have many questions. What kind of charges can the driver face? How serious are those charges? What penalties could be involved? This article is here to help you understand the legal consequences when someone intentionally hits another person with a vehicle.
We’ll break down the different types of criminal charges, what they mean, and what you can expect if you or someone else is facing such a case. Whether you are a victim, a concerned family member, or even someone accused of this act, understanding the law can help you know what steps to take next.
Why Does It Matter if Someone Was Hit On Purpose?
First, it’s important to understand why the law treats intentionally hitting someone with a car differently than a typical accident.
Many car accidents happen because of carelessness, distraction, or mistakes. These are called negligent accidents. While still serious, negligence usually involves no intent to hurt anyone.
But if a driver deliberately uses their car to hit someone, the law sees it as a criminal act, almost like using a weapon to cause harm. This changes the charges and the severity of the punishment significantly.
What Are the Common Charges for Hitting Someone With a Car on Purpose?
Depending on where you live and the exact details of the case, the charges can vary. Let’s look at the most common criminal charges someone may face if they intentionally hit a person with their vehicle.
1. Vehicular Assault
Vehicular assault is one of the primary charges when a driver deliberately hits someone and causes bodily harm.
- It means the driver used their vehicle as a weapon to injure someone.
- The charge shows that the act was intentional or done with reckless disregard for human life.
- Penalties can include jail time, fines, and probation.
For example, if you deliberately drive into someone to hurt them but they survive, you might be charged with vehicular assault.
2. Vehicular Manslaughter or Vehicular Homicide
If the intentional hit leads to the death of the victim, the charges become much more serious.
- Vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide means causing a person’s death through the use of a vehicle.
- This can be considered either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on circumstances and local laws.
- Penalties often include several years in prison, hefty fines, and permanent loss of your driver’s license.
For example, if someone deliberately hits a pedestrian and that person dies, the driver could face vehicular manslaughter charges.
3. Reckless Driving
Sometimes, prosecutors may charge reckless driving if the driver showed willful disregard for safety.
- Reckless driving means operating a vehicle dangerously, without caring about the safety of others.
- This can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the situation.
- Penalties may include jail time, fines, license suspension, or revocation.
While reckless driving might not always involve intent to hit someone, it shows a high level of carelessness that puts lives at risk.
4. Involuntary Manslaughter
In some cases, if the driver didn’t intend to kill but acted with extreme recklessness leading to a death, they might face involuntary manslaughter charges.
- This charge is for causing a death without premeditation but due to negligent or reckless actions.
- Penalties often include prison time and fines.
This charge can come into play when intent to harm isn’t proven but the driver’s behavior was extremely dangerous.
5. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, DUI charges can be added.
- Driving intoxicated makes the charges more serious.
- If a DUI leads to injury or death, penalties become harsher.
- You can face long prison sentences, steep fines, and extended license suspensions.
A DUI charge on top of any of the above can increase your legal troubles dramatically.
What Factors Influence the Charges and Punishments?
The exact charges and punishments depend on several key factors:
- Intent: Did the driver mean to hit the person, or was it accidental? Intent to harm leads to more serious charges.
- Extent of Injury: Was the victim lightly injured, seriously harmed, or killed? The more severe the injury or death, the higher the charges.
- State Laws: Different states have different laws, penalties, and definitions for these crimes.
- Driver’s History: Repeat offenders or those with prior DUI convictions can face harsher penalties.
- Circumstances: Were drugs or alcohol involved? Was the driver fleeing the scene? Was the victim vulnerable (like a child or elderly person)?
What Are the Possible Penalties?
If convicted of intentionally hitting someone with a car, you could face a range of punishments:
Jail or Prison Time
- Depending on the charge, jail time can range from a few months to several years.
- Serious charges like vehicular manslaughter can lead to long prison sentences.
Fines
- Courts may impose fines that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Fines increase with the severity of the offense.
Driver’s License Suspension or Revocation
- Your license can be suspended temporarily or revoked permanently.
- You may have to complete reinstatement processes, including tests and fees.
Restitution and Civil Liability
- Apart from criminal penalties, you may have to pay the victim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Victims can file civil lawsuits seeking compensation.
Probation and Community Service
- Some cases may include probation periods with strict conditions.
- Community service might be required as part of the sentence.
Impact on Insurance and Employment
- Convictions can cause your insurance rates to rise sharply.
- A criminal record may affect your job prospects, especially if driving is part of your work.
What Should You Do If You Are Accused?
If you find yourself accused of intentionally hitting someone with a car, you should take the following steps immediately:
- Hire a Lawyer: A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges and defend your rights.
- Don’t Talk to Police Without Counsel: Anything you say can be used against you.
- Gather Evidence: Collect any videos, photos, or witness information that can support your case.
- Follow Legal Advice: Attend all court hearings and comply with bail or probation conditions.
What If You Are a Victim?
If you or a loved one has been intentionally hit by a vehicle, here’s what you can do:
- Seek Medical Help: Your health is the priority. Get medical treatment immediately.
- Report the Incident: Call the police to make an official report.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
- Keep Records: Save all medical bills, accident reports, and related documents.
- Know Your Rights: Understanding the legal process will help you make informed decisions.
Why Legal Help Is Important
Whether you are a victim or accused, having professional legal support is crucial.
- For victims, a lawyer can help you file claims and negotiate settlements.
- For accused individuals, a lawyer can protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
Facing criminal charges or injury claims can be confusing and stressful. The law is complex, and every case is unique.
Summary: What You Need to Remember
- Intentionally hitting someone with a car is a serious criminal offense, often charged as vehicular assault or manslaughter.
- Penalties include prison time, fines, license loss, and civil liabilities.
- Factors like intent, injury severity, DUI involvement, and state laws affect charges and outcomes.
- Whether you are a victim or accused, seek immediate legal help to protect your interests.
- Understanding the charges can help you prepare for what lies ahead.Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hit on purpose by a vehicle, know that the law is on your side. You can hold the responsible party accountable.
If you are accused of intentionally hitting someone with your car, remember that the charges are serious, but you have the right to a fair defense.
In either situation, being informed, staying calm, and working with a trusted attorney will give you the best chance at justice.