Careless Or Dangerous Driving Causing Death
Causing death through careless, inconsiderate, or dangerous driving are serious legal offences.
Expert legal advice and representation are crucial for these charges, as convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Our specialist Motoring Offence Solicitors have a comprehensive understanding of the available defences for causing death by careless, inconsiderate, or dangerous driving. We act immediately to protect your best interests and build a robust defence. We recognise the stress and anxiety you may feel, especially if your job depends on your driving licence. Our solicitors are familiar with the court environment and strive to make you and your family as comfortable as possible. Our team excels in taking the burden off your shoulders, ensuring you have the best motoring law solicitors and defence team in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and the Midlands.
We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm based in Nuneaton. Using advanced technology, we provide clients with modern, efficient motoring law advice and representation. Our extensive experience in road traffic and criminal law allows us to collaborate with some of the UK’s top Barristers and King’s Counsel. Our clients also benefit from our network of respected expert witnesses who can present critical facts to support a not guilty plea or mitigate sentences.
Defining Dangerous Driving
According to Section 2A of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 1988, a person is considered to be driving dangerously if:
- (a) Their driving falls significantly below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver, and
- (b) It would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that such driving would be dangerous.
A person is also considered to be driving dangerously if a competent and careful driver would recognise that driving the vehicle in its current state would be dangerous.
Dangerous driving refers to actions that pose a risk to individuals or result in significant property damage.
Defining Careless or Inconsiderate Driving
Under the RTA 1988, careless or inconsiderate driving is defined as driving without due care and attention, meaning the driving falls below what is expected of a competent and careful driver.
When assessing driving behavior, consideration is given to both the circumstances that the driver should have been aware of and those that were within the driver’s knowledge.
Examples include:
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield at a junction
- Forcing your way into traffic after overtaking
- Hogging the middle lane on a motorway
- Overtaking on the inside
- Changing radio stations or reading a map while driving
- Eating or drinking at the wheel
- Weaving between lanes
- Overtaking and causing other vehicles to suddenly brake
Penalties for Causing Death by Dangerous or Careless Driving
Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, particularly if alcohol or drugs were involved. Dangerous driving is a more severe offence, with potential custodial sentences of up to 14 years.
Both offences can also result in driving bans and substantial fines.
Our Road Traffic Offence Solicitors are well-versed in the Sentencing Guidelines used by the courts. If convicted, we will present strong mitigating circumstances to ensure you receive the minimum possible sentence.
Why Choose Our Services
Our solicitors regularly defend clients facing motoring charges at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, and Crown Courts. We also assist with appeals against disqualification and applications for early licence reinstatement.
In some instances, we can secure legal aid for our clients. When legal aid is unavailable, we offer reasonable, transparent fees and can often provide a fixed fee arrangement to alleviate concerns about legal costs.
No matter the charges against you, you are entitled to a defence. We do not judge our clients; our goal is to defend you against prosecution allegations. By choosing us, you improve your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence. Contact us as soon as you are aware of any charges.
Cocks Lloyd Solicitors provides exceptional Careless Or Dangerous Driving Causing Death and Motoring Offences services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nuneaton, Tamworth, Atherstone, Hinckley and Leicester, but across Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Careless Or Dangerous Driving Causing Death and Motoring Offences, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0247) 6641642, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.