{"id":382625,"date":"2025-10-08T16:06:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T21:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=382625"},"modified":"2025-10-08T16:00:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T21:00:51","slug":"can-you-go-to-jail-for-accidentally-killing-someone-in-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/can-you-go-to-jail-for-accidentally-killing-someone-in-a-car-accident.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Go to Jail for Accidentally Killing Someone in a Car Accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You Go to Jail for Accidentally Killing Someone in a Car Accident?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can go to jail for accidentally killing someone<\/span> in a car accident<\/span> if prosecutors prove you acted with criminal negligence<\/span>, recklessness, or gross negligence<\/span> while driving. Criminal charges<\/span> like vehicular homicide<\/span> or vehicular manslaughter<\/span> depend on your specific behavior, driving history, and state laws<\/span>. Even accidental deaths<\/span> can result in felony charges carrying prison sentences<\/span>, fines, and license suspension<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Being in a car accident<\/span> can be traumatic enough without someone dying. The guilt you feel when someone passes away as a result of a motor vehicle<\/span> accident<\/a> seems like punishment enough. However, depending on the details of your car crash<\/span>, you may also face civil and criminal penalties.<\/p>\n

The scary thing about fatal <\/span>car accidents<\/span><\/a> is that you may have no idea you’re in trouble for days or even weeks. The police must thoroughly investigate the accident scene before deciding whether to arrest you. The fear of knowing the police may arrest you after a serious car accident<\/span> can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll discuss whether you can go to jail for accidentally killing someone<\/span> in a car accident<\/span>. We will describe the different state laws<\/span> on vehicular homicide<\/span><\/a> and vehicular manslaughter<\/span>. We will also explain the penalties for these crimes.<\/p>\n

If you currently face criminal charges<\/span> after a traffic accident<\/span>, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. They’ll review the pending charges and help you build the strongest defense possible under the circumstances.<\/p>\n

Common Causes of Fatal <\/span>Car Accidents<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most car accidents<\/span> are minor. The biggest bruise may be to the drivers’ egos. Unfortunately, there are times when an accident victim doesn’t survive the crash and dies from their injuries<\/a>. This can happen in any car accident<\/span>, but accidental killings<\/span> are often the result of specific kinds of motor vehicle<\/span> accidents.<\/p>\n

Some of the more common causes of fatal <\/span>car accidents<\/span> include:<\/p>\n