MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. A family of five, driving from Minneapolis to Colorado to become missionaries, were recently killed by a truck driver. The truck driver, who was later charged for inattentive driving, was speeding when he hit the family’s vehicle. He did not slow down and hit two vehicles. Both vehicles burst into flames. According to People Magazine, the couple were devout Christians who planned to become missionaries in Japan.
The Pioneer Press reports that the truck driver involved in the crash has been charged with five counts of felony motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving. The accident took place in Nebraska and the Nebraska State Patrol cited the driver for inattentive driving and for speeding through a construction zone, where speeds are often reduced. Truck drivers are also required to abide by federal and state trucking laws. It isn’t clear whether the trucking company or driver was in compliance with these laws when the accident took place. This is where fleet management software would have been beneficial, it could have avoided the future incident if used correctly.
Reckless driving is a serious criminal offense, but it can also carry with it civil penalties as well. Any personal injury law firms you consult will tell you that. Individuals who are responsible for a car or truck accident can be held responsible for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and victims’ pain and suffering. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury lawyer who assists victims and families whose lives have been affected by car accidents.
The truck driver was charged with reckless driving in this case. What is reckless driving? Reckless driving describes a certain kind of driving that shows a willful disregard for the safety of others. Not all accidents occur due to reckless driving. A driver must show egregious disregard for other vehicles and the law in order to be charged with reckless driving. Drunk driving is sometimes charged as a “wet reckless.” Reckless driving relates to a person’s choices behind the wheel. This can include excessive speed, use of drugs or alcohol, or driving without the regard for the safety of other people.
It is important to distinguish between negligence and recklessness. Reckless drivers may break the law without regard for the consequences, while negligence is an accident that occurs due to the fault of one driver. Sometimes the lines are blurry. Here are some examples of reckless driving:
- Driving very much in excess of the speed limit
- Ignoring red lights or stop signs
- Not yielding right of way
- Texting and driving
However, speeding alone, running one red light, or not yielding to a car you cannot see won’t automatically result in a charge of reckless driving. Criminal charges are also distinct from civil consequences. The state brings forth criminal charges, while families of victims and those who have been injured often bring forth civil charges.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident due to another driver’s recklessness or negligence, you may be entitled to receive money to cover your medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Visit https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages for your losses. Contact us today.
If you’ve been the victim of a trucking accident in Florence, SC, you could reach out to South Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys like at Jebaily Law Firm.