Automobile Accidents

Automobile accidents can cause both physical injuries and mental trauma. Moreover, these accidents can involve both civil and criminal liability, although, typically, the state will initiate a prosecution only if a criminal act occurred, such as a killing, gross negligence, or the defendant caused the accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In most cases, the criminal penalty for such accidents is an administrative fine or the suspension or cancellation of a defendant's driver's license. When an injured party initiates a civil lawsuit against a defendant for causing an automobile accident, damages will be awarded after a determination of fault on the part of all of the parties involved in the suit. Even where a plaintiff has contributed to the accident, he or she can still recover damages for the portion of the damages caused by the defendant's negligence.