Can You Go to Jail for an Unintentional Car Accident?

When driving on California roads, you may not be able to see due to the sun reflecting on the car in front of you or go to move over for an emergency vehicle and cause a car accident unintentionally. If anyone is injured or damages occurred, you may worry that this accident could land you in jail. This depends on the specific details of your situation and the consequences of the collision. For instance, drivers who cause an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or commit a hit-and-run may be charged with a crime. However, if no criminal charges are involved, you may go through the personal injury claim process.

At NK Law Group, we understand the stress you face after unintentionally causing a car accident, so we are here to help you every step of the way and fight for your rights. With many years of experience handling complex car accident claims, you can trust us to provide high-quality services and the care and attention you deserve. Our dedicated lawyers take the time to listen to your story and understand your needs to develop a personalized plan that gives you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome while you focus on recovery.

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Cases for Unintentional Car Accidents in California

After causing a car accident, facing jail time can be a legitimate worry, even if you did not mean to cause any harm or damages. These situations are often nuanced and complicated, but with professional legal help, you can better understand your rights and whether you may face criminal charges or have to take a personal injury route.

Criminal Charges

In car accident cases, criminal charges are typically reserved for reckless and negligent behavior that results in serious harm and damages, including death, even if the actions are unintentional. Common charges drivers who cause car accidents face include reckless driving, hit-and-run, and DUI. 

Civil Cases

In many car accident situations, those involved go through the civil claim process to receive compensation for resulting damages. Because California is an at-fault state, the liable party’s insurance company is responsible for covering the other party’s injuries. Our car accident lawyers at NK Law Group are here to guide you through the process, fight aggressively for your rights, and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure a fair result.

How Comparative Negligence Can Play a Role in Your California Unintentional Car Accident Case?

With several factors contributing to keeping roads safe, many parties are often partially responsible when car accidents occur. For these cases, California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which involves the following:

• Percentage of Fault: Each party involved is assigned a percentage of responsibility for the collision based on the evidence presented. For example, if you unintentionally rear-end someone because of sun glare, you may receive 45% of the blame, while the other party receives 55% for brake-checking.
• Damage Deduction: The percentage of fault you receive for the car accident gets deducted from your compensation. The same goes for other parties involved.

With this system, you may still recover damages for the injuries you suffered in the car accident, even if you unintentionally caused the crash. Our skilled lawyers thoroughly investigate and gather evidence to build a strong case and potentially demonstrate the other party’s contribution to the accident. We always put your best interests first, never losing sight of the big picture and allowing you to focus on recovery while we fiercely advocate, negotiate, and litigate on your behalf.

Seek Trusted Legal Guidance from NK Law Group Today

Unintentionally causing a car accident in California can feel daunting and leave you in a state of shock. As the adrenaline fades, you may wonder if you could go to jail, even if you did not mean to cause the crash. Getting legal help from NK Law Group can help ease your worries so you can navigate the legal process feeling informed and confident. 

With affiliations like the State Bar of California and Alameda Contra Costa County Trial Lawyers, you can rely on our seasoned legal team to handle every aspect of your car accident case, no matter how complex or intricate. We take a comprehensive approach, managing the entire process with personalized attention. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (510) 519-9497 or fill out our contact form.