Vehicular Homicide and High Profile Cases

Vehicular Homicide and High Profile Cases

It’s Wimbledon season! But unfortunately, this year’s tennis whites have been soiled by the upsetting and unfortunate case of champion tennis player Venus Williams and the car accident that caused the death of an elderly gentleman.

Under Florida law, a person can be convicted of vehicular homicide if he causes the death of another while operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another person. This crime can occur even in the absence of the intent to hurt another person.

An accident involving death or significant injuries is traumatizing for everyone involved. Whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, it needs to be treated like any other motor vehicle accident. Here are the key steps to take in the event of a serious accident:

• • Call 911
  • Take pictures if it is safe to do so
  • Move vehicles and people to the side of the road if it is safe to do so
  • Exchange insurance information
  • Get a police report
  • Gather witness information
  • Obtain medical treatment
  • Maintain a neutral opinion about what caused the accident
  • Contact an attorney

  Clear documentation of the details of the car accident is important in determining liability, damages and any other potential charges. For Venus, while she was initially declared at fault by the investigating law enforcement agency, further review resulted in her being cleared of any wrongdoing. While it does not seem that Ms. Williams will face any criminal legal action, she is facing a civil suit brought by the family members of the man who lost his life in the accident. Obtaining legal counsel right away is imperative to identify and preserve all evidence and witness accounts so that the most complete and accurate depiction of the accident can be re-created for a jury.

Call Khonsari Law Group Today to Speak with a St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident that resulted in the loss of a life, please contact our office to speak with one of the St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers at the Khonsari Law Group. We are committed to resolving your criminal case with as little consequence to you as possible. Please call our experienced attorneys at (727) 269-5300 for your free consultation.