Can You Go to Jail for Accidentally Killing Someone in a Car Accident?

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If you are involved in a fatal car accident that is not predicated on serious negligence on your part behind the wheel, it is very unlikely that you will face jail time as a result. If you do shoulder some or all of the blame, it is far more likely that you will face a wrongful death claim, which is a civil case. It’s important to point out, however, that determining fault in car accidents is often very complicated, and you may only share fault or be at no fault at all. If you find yourself in the very difficult situation of being involved in a fatal car accident, seek the professional legal counsel of an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney who has extensive experience handling wrongful death claims.

Determining Fault in a Car Accident Is Often Complicated

The stress and turmoil of a car accident can leave the calmest among us in a state of utter confusion. If you’ve been injured in the process, it’s that much worse, and if someone else has lost their life, it is overwhelming. Many people in these kinds of situations blame themselves, but you may only be partially at fault or at no fault at all. Determining fault is a matter for your experienced car accident attorney, who will do all of the following to help determine where fault lies in your case:

  • Create a thorough accident reenactment report
  • Hire expert witnesses
  • Obtain eyewitness testimony

Don’t Wait to Consult With an Experienced Kansas City Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a car accident that leaves someone dead is very difficult, but if you weren’t engaged in a criminal offense, you are very unlikely to face criminal charges or go to jail. In fact, you may not even be at fault. Cases like yours are complicated, but the impressive Kansas City car accident attorneys at Krause & Kinsman Law Firm dedicate their practice to guiding cases like yours toward beneficial resolutions. For more information, please give us a call at 816-307-2763 or contact us today.

Car Accident FAQ

What if I leave the scene?

If you leave the scene of the accident, it will likely be considered a hit and run, which could lead to jail time.

What would constitute a criminal offense?

If you were impaired by alcohol or drugs, were speeding dangerously, or were driving aggressively, you could face a criminal charge and attendant jail time.

What should I do at the scene?

Remain as calm as you possibly can and render any aid that you are capable of providing.

Our Reputation

The Krause & Kinsman Law Firm is made up of some of the nation’s foremost legal minds in the mass-tort field. That’s why our clients & co-counsel partners choose us.

Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, and Co-Chair of the Law & Briefing Committee in MDL 2846:

In Re: Davol, Inc./C.R. Bard, Inc., Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation

Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in MDL 2974:

In Re: Paragard IUD Products Liability Litigation

Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in MDL 2924:

In Re: Zantac (Ranitidine) Products Liability Litigation

Along with the aforementioned MDLs,

Plaintiff’s Counsel has prosecuted thousands of cases across other Multi-District Litigations and Mass-Torts, including:

MDL No. 3043:

Acetaminophen ASD/ADHD Product Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2753:

Atrium Medical Corp. C-Qur Mesh Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2782:

Ethicon Physiomesh Flexible Composite Hernia Mesh Products Liability Litigation

MCL No. 627:

In Re: Physiomesh Litigation, MCL

MCL No. 633:

In Re: Prolene Hernia System Mesh Litigation

MDL No. 2750:

Cook Medical, Inc., IVC Filters Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2641:

Bard IVC Filters Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2326:

In Re: Boston Scientific Corp. Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2606:

Benicar (Olmesartan) Product Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2666:

In Re: Forced Air Warming Devices Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2591:

Syngenta AG MIR162 Corn Litigation

MDL No. 2936:

In Re: Smity’s/CAM2303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation

MCL No. 630:

In Re: Proceed Mesh Litigation

MDL No. 2543:

In Re: General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation

MDL No. 2004:

In Re: Mentor Corp. ObTape Transobturator Sling Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2187:

In Re: C. R. Bard, Inc. Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2325:

In Re: American Medical Systems, Inc., Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2327:

In Re: Ethicon, Inc., Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 2387:

In Re: Coloplast Corp. Pelvic Support Systems Products Liability Litigation

MDL No. 251:

In Re: Neomedic Pelvic Repair System Products Liability Litigation

Highly Awarded Trial Attorneys

The Krause & Kinsman Law Firm is one of the nation’s leading mass-tort & personal-injury law firms. The founding partners, Adam & Robert, have been selected to serve on steering committees for some of the largest pharmaceutical mass-tort cases.

Working With Us

Partnering with Krause & Kinsman is easy. When you partner with Krause & Kinsman, you can be sure that our mutual clients’ complex matters are handled with the utmost care and dedication. In addition to our top-notch representation, we will ensure our mutual clients receive frequent communication about the status of their cases.

Partner With Us

Why Us?

Recognized leaders in mass-torts with vast experience in complex litigation.

Your clients will appreciate the high-quality representation provided.

Your clients will consistently real-time updates on the status of their case via video, email, text, and phone.

Get real-time updates on the status of our mutual clients while their cases progress.

Collaborate on the case together and receive co-counsel fees.