Serious auto accidents are unfortunately all too common in West Virginia. While some of them are not criminal in nature, others are the result of crimes committed behind the wheel such as reckless driving.
The causes of fatal auto accidents
There are almost a limitless number of possible causes for auto accidents. Still, most accidents in West Virginia and other states fall into common patterns. This includes causes and contributing factors such as:
- reckless driving
- drunk driving
- sleep deprivation
- speeding
- failure to yield
- failure to wear safety belts
- disregarding road signs and traffic lights
- tailgating
- poor road conditions
- wildlife
At the top of this list is reckless driving. Not only is this a clear sign of negligence, it’s also at bottom a misdemeanor that can rise to the level of a felony. While other items on this last may be unavoidable such as the appearance of wildlife on the road, reckless driving and the accidents it causes are certainly the fault of the motorist.
The repercussions of reckless driving
Reckless driving can have serious consequences, including fatal auto accidents. This in turn can lead to criminal prosecution including jail time, fines, community service and the loss of driving privileges. Even when there isn’t a criminal prosecution, there can still be massive consequences. In addition to the guilt of causing a death, you may end up being sued. If reckless driving can be proven to a jury, the loss of a significant amount of money can almost be guaranteed. You probably won’t be able to depend on your car insurance in this situation either.
Overall, deadly accidents can have a lot of consequences. This is true for the victims that don’t survive. It is also true for those who caused the accidents. This is why drivers should always be defensive as opposed to reckless.
