Ventura Car Accident Lawyer Explains Why Criminal Charges Don’t Prevent Ventura Car Accident Victims From Pursuing Compensation

A recent Ventura County case highlights how reckless driving can have devastating consequences. According to recent news reports, a 23-year-old man was sentenced to state prison after admitting that he was driving more than 100 miles per hour when his vehicle collided with another car in Oxnard, killing two people. Investigators reported that data from the vehicle showed the driver was traveling approximately 108.73 mph just one second before the fatal car accident, and the car accident was captured on surveillance video.

While the criminal case has concluded, serious car accidents like this also raise important questions about the rights of Ventura car accident victims and their families. Many Ventura car accident victims do not realize that a criminal prosecution and a personal injury claim are two separate legal matters.

Here we discuss the difference between criminal and civil cases and why it is important to speak with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer after a serious car accident happens.

Criminal Cases and Civil Cases Serve Different Purposes

When a driver is accused of committing a crime, such as reckless driving or another criminal offense in Ventura, the government may prosecute that individual in criminal court. The purpose of a criminal case is to determine whether the defendant violated the law and, if so, what criminal penalties should apply.

A personal injury case in Ventura, however, serves a different purpose. It allows injured Ventura car accident victims, or, in fatal accidents, surviving family members, to seek financial compensation for the losses they have suffered because of another person’s actions.

Criminal Charges Do Not Automatically Compensate Ventura Car Accident Victims

It is understandable for Ventura car accident victims to believe that a criminal conviction will resolve every issue arising from a serious car accident. However, criminal proceedings generally do not compensate Ventura car accident victims for their injuries and losses. Those issues are typically addressed through a separate civil claim.

As a result, Ventura car accident victims typically must pursue their own legal claim for compensation.

Compensation May Be Available

If another driver’s negligence or reckless conduct caused your injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation under California law. Depending on the facts of the case, compensation may be available for medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related losses.

Why Working With a Ventura Car Accident Lawyer Matters

Serious car accident cases often involve extensive investigations, insurance companies, medical records, and questions regarding liability and damages. When criminal charges are also involved, understanding how the criminal and civil cases relate to one another can become even more complicated.

An experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can investigate the accident, preserve important evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for compensation due to you under California law.

Finding Legal Help in Ventura

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Ventura and you need legal help, contact the experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC. The experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC fight for the rights of Ventura car accident victims.

Contact Zavala Law, PC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.

Source:
ktla.com/news/california/ventura-108mph-crash-prison-sentence/