As the law rarely allows for accidents, anytime a motor vehicle is involved in a crash or causes an injury to someone, criminal charges like Careless Driving often result in Castle Rock and Douglas County. Recently, a 4-year-old boy was hit by a minivan while he was crossing the street in the crosswalk. According to the news, the driver did not see the boy and he was hit and dragged a short distance before the driver realized what had happened. Several bystanders responded and used a jack to lift the vehicle and free the boy. The driver was ticketed for Careless Driving Causing Injury and Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk.

Douglas County Careless Driving Lawyer: Definition of Careless Driving

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Careless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1402 – is:

“

A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving. A person convicted of careless driving of a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall not be subject to the provisions of section 42-2-127.”

Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk would fall under the ‘other attendant circumstances’ mentioned in the statute.

Sentence for Careless Driving with Injury in Highlands Ranch and Parker

Careless Driving is a misdemeanor traffic offense in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker and is charged based on the injury sustained as a result of the Careless Driving:

• Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense if no injuries are sustained
• Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if bodily injury is the result of the Careless Driving
• Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if death is the result of the Careless Driving

Because the boy suffered bodily injury after the accident, the driver would be facing the class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense and is punishable by 10 days to 1 year in the Douglas County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines. A conviction of Careless Driving also adds 4 points to a person’s Colorado driver’s license.

If you or someone you love has been ticketed for Careless Driving with or without injury, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Careless Driving attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 303-265-1950 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

Image Source: Pexels-JESHOOTS