If you have been in a minor fender-bender in Pensacola, you likely exchanged contact information and insurance information with the other driver. However, what if you were involved in a crash that injured or even killed the other driver or passengers? You could be charged with vehicular homicide, and the penalties increase if you failed to render aid.
What constitutes vehicular homicide?
Florida law states that if you are recklessly driving in a way that is likely to cause the death or serios injury of another, and you do in fact end up causing a fatal car crash, you can be charged with vehicular homicide. In general, vehicular homicide is a second-degree felony. However, vehicular homicide is a first-degree felony if at the time of the crash you knew or should have known that the crash occurred, and you did not give the other party your information and render aid.
What does it mean to render aid?
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in injuries or the death of another, you must provide your name, address and registration number and, if asked, present your driver’s license. If the other person in the accident is not able to receive the information due to injury or death, and the police are not present yet, you must render reasonable assistance in getting the injured person medical help, including calling 911 if necessary.
Know your obligations if involved in a serious car crash
If you are involved in a car crash that seriously injures or kills another person, you could face criminal charges. You may be required to render aid, and if you do not do so, the penalties you face could increase. Ultimately, if you are in a car crash, you will want to stay at the scene, render aid if necessary and contact the police.