Every year, countless people get involved in motor vehicle accidents. Houston has seen more crashes than any other metropolitan area in Texas in 2020. Victims of the auto accidents can claim damages for their pain and suffering when they’ve been hurt as the result of someone else’s negligence. In spite of the fact that not all car accidents are the same, there are some steps that anyone can take to make sure they receive fair compensation. More exactly, it’s necessary to work with a car accident lawyer. If you have a solid case, they will contact the other party on our behalf and make a claim for losses.
At times, a personal injury claim can involve a criminal charge against the person who caused the auto accident. It’s only normal to wonder what impact this might have on your case. If you want to get a good understanding of the specific impact to your case, reach out to a car accident lawyer. Find a local legal professional that will advise you from beginning to end. If another driver hit you in Houston, only a Houston car accident lawyer can be of help because they’re familiar with the opposing lawyers, the judge’s personalities, not to say the rhythm of the courtroom.
About criminal cases involved with personal injury claims
When a motor vehicle accident occurs, it’s not crystal clear if there are both civil and criminal implications. Personal injury claims are based on negligence, while criminal charges are brought when someone violates the law of the state. More often than not, the two intersect, giving rise to complications. Examples of criminal cases involved with personal injury claims include drunk driving, assault and battery, fleeing the scene of the accident, and reckless driving. The sequence of events can bring about a personal injury trial, as well as a criminal prosecution.
It’s up to the state to bring charges through a district attorney or city lawyer. The aim is to punish the offender and protect society. In Texas, felonies are punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail. The penalty for a felony hit and run can be severe. In Texas, felonies are the most severe type of criminal offense. If a person is found guilty of a crime, the judge imposes punishments. Unfortunately, the victim of the accident is responsible for proving that the driver caused the collision. The victim can’t rely solely on policy charges to prove their case.
In a civil injury case, there are more damages available to the victim
Should the criminal matter result in a conviction, the victim is able to recover financial compensation for some kinds of losses. The payment for injury or loss is called restitution. The perpetrator of the crime must pay restitution to the victim. If the defendant has no money or the possibility to earn money, it’s highly unlikely that they will make a meaningful restitution. In a civil injury case, more damages are awarded to the victim. Besides the restitution, you can demand financial compensation for emotional distress, replacing household services, physical suffering, and more.