What Are the Charges for Hitting Someone with a Car on Purpose?

If you or someone you know has been hit by a car on purpose, it can be a very frightening and confusing experience. You may wonder what legal actions can be taken against the driver who did this intentionally. It is important to understand the types of charges a driver may face if they deliberately hit someone with a car. This article will explain these charges in simple terms so you can better understand the legal process and what might happen next.

Understanding the Seriousness of Intentionally Hitting Someone with a Car

When a driver hits a pedestrian or another person with a car on purpose, it is not treated like a normal traffic accident. The law views this as a serious crime because it involves intentionally causing harm using a deadly weapon—a vehicle. This can lead to severe injuries, long-term medical problems, or even death. Because of how dangerous this behavior is, the law sets strong penalties to punish and deter such acts.

What Does It Mean to Hit Someone With a Car on Purpose?

Before discussing charges, it’s important to understand what “hitting someone on purpose” means legally. In many cases, car accidents happen due to carelessness or mistakes. But if a driver purposely uses their vehicle to hurt or threaten a person, that crosses a line into criminal behavior.

This can happen if the driver speeds toward someone, intentionally swerves to strike them, or uses their car as a weapon during an argument or fight. Proving intent—that the driver meant to hit the person—is key in these cases.

Common Criminal Charges for Deliberately Hitting Someone with a Car

The charges a driver may face depend on the state laws, the circumstances of the incident, and the injury’s severity. Here are the most common charges related to intentionally hitting someone with a car:

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Motor Vehicle)

A car can be considered a deadly weapon in legal terms. If a driver intentionally hits someone with their vehicle, they can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. This is a serious criminal offense because the driver used the car to cause harm on purpose.

What You Should Know:

• Assault charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on injuries.
• If the victim suffers serious bodily harm, the charge will likely be a felony.
• Penalties may include jail or prison time, probation, and fines.

Vehicular Assault

Vehicular assault means a driver intentionally caused injury to someone using their car. This charge is often used when the victim is hurt but not killed.

Key Points:

• This charge is more serious than simple reckless driving.
• The driver’s intent to cause harm must be shown.
• Penalties may include years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Vehicular Manslaughter (Vehicular Homicide)

If the person hit by the car dies because of the driver’s intentional actions, the charge can be elevated to vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide.

Important Details:

• This charge applies when death occurs, even if the driver did not plan to kill.
• Vehicular manslaughter may be classified as a felony or misdemeanor based on the circumstances.
• Penalties include long prison sentences, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and other consequences.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. While it may not always prove intent to hit someone, reckless driving charges often come up in these cases.

Facts to Consider:

• Reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor but can become a felony if it causes serious injury or death.
• Punishments include jail time, fines, and suspension of your driver’s license.
• In some states, felony reckless driving can carry prison time of several years.

Involuntary Manslaughter

In cases where a driver causes a death but did not intend to kill, they may be charged with involuntary manslaughter. This charge applies if the driver acted recklessly or criminally negligently.

What This Means for You:

• Involuntary manslaughter carries serious jail time, sometimes decades.
• It requires proving the driver’s dangerous behavior caused the death.
• It is distinct from intentional murder but still a serious felony.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Charges

If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they hit someone on purpose, they will likely face additional DUI charges. These charges make the case even more severe.

Key Consequences:

• DUI causing injury or death is a felony in most states.
• Penalties include prison time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory treatment programs.
• DUI convictions can affect your insurance and employment opportunities.

How Serious Are These Charges?

If you’re wondering how serious these charges are, the answer is: very serious. The law treats intentional harm with a vehicle like a violent crime. People who commit these acts can spend years in prison. Even if the victim survives with injuries, the driver can still face heavy penalties.

For example, assault with a deadly weapon by a vehicle can carry anywhere from several months to many years in prison. Vehicular manslaughter or homicide usually involves longer prison terms, sometimes decades. Additionally, you could face steep fines, be required to pay restitution to the victim, and lose your driving privileges for a long time or permanently.

What Happens If You Are Charged?

If you or someone you know is charged with intentionally hitting someone with a car, it is important to get legal help right away. Criminal cases can be complicated, and you have rights that must be protected.

• You will likely be arrested and taken into custody.
• You may face bail hearings to determine if you can be released before trial.
• Your case will proceed through criminal court, where prosecutors will present evidence.
• You have the right to a defense attorney who can argue your case.

Can You Defend Against These Charges?

Yes, you can defend yourself, but it is important to understand that intent is the main issue in these cases. Your defense lawyer may:

• Argue the act was an accident or not intentional.
• Challenge the evidence proving intent to harm.
• Show that the driver acted in self-defense or was avoiding harm.
• Negotiate plea deals to reduce charges.

How Victims Can Get Justice and Compensation

If you are a victim hit by a car on purpose, you may have both criminal and civil rights. Criminal charges punish the driver, but they do not automatically give you money for your injuries.

To get compensation, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim. This can help cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses (if applicable)

A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.

What Should You Do If You Are Hit by a Car on Purpose?

If you are hit by a car intentionally, your safety is the first priority:

1. Get medical help immediately. Call 911 or ask someone to call.
2. Try to remember details about the driver and the incident.
3. Get contact information from witnesses if possible.
4. Report the incident to the police and cooperate with their investigation.
5. Contact a lawyer who has experience with pedestrian accidents and intentional harm cases.

Conclusion

Being hit by a car on purpose is a serious crime with harsh legal consequences. Drivers who do this face charges ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to vehicular manslaughter and DUI violations. These charges can lead to years in prison, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and lifelong criminal records.

If you are a victim, you have the right to seek justice both criminally and through compensation. If you are accused, it’s vital to get legal advice immediately to protect your rights.

Remember, a vehicle is a powerful and dangerous tool. Using it to hurt someone on purpose is a grave crime that the law treats accordingly. Understanding the charges can help you navigate this difficult situation with more confidence.