New Criminal Offence
Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving
One Year On
It is now almost a year since the new criminal offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving came into force as part of the Police Crime and Sentencing Act 2022. This offence is designed to fill the gap between the offence of Careless Driving, which carries a maximum penalty of a fine and disqualification, and the more serious offence of Dangerous Driving, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
Past Law
In the past, motorists who caused serious injury to others were often only prosecuted for Careless Driving, even if their driving fell below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. This was because the threshold for a Dangerous Driving conviction is very high. As a result, victims of careless driving often felt that they had received no justice.
New Law
The new offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving is an “either way” offence, meaning that it can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court. In the Crown Court, the maximum penalty is two years imprisonment. In addition, a convicted driver will automatically be disqualified from driving.
Progress
The new offence has been welcomed by road safety campaigners, who believe that it will provide a more effective deterrent to motorists who drive carelessly. It is also hoped that the new offence will give victims of careless driving a greater sense of justice.
Recent Cases with another Law Firm
Case One
In the first case, Alex was cycling to meet his brother for lunch when he was involved in a collision with a motorist. Alex suffered a serious injury to his right leg and required surgery. The motorist was charged with Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving and pleaded guilty. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £576.
Case Two
In the second case, Alistair was cycling along a road when he was involved in a collision with a motorist. Alistair suffered multiple fractures to his left side and required surgery. The motorist was charged with Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving and pleaded guilty. He was given a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, disqualified from driving for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.
Conclusion
The new offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving is a welcome development in road safety law. It provides a more effective deterrent to motorists who drive carelessly and gives victims of careless driving a greater sense of justice.
We hope that the police and Crown Prosecution Service will use this new offence to bring to justice motorists who drive carelessly and cause serious injury to others.
Victim of a Careless Driver
If you have been hit by a careless driver, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Claim Time! Claim Today can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Claim Today is a specialist personal injury law company with a proven track record of success. We offer a free initial consultation, and we only charge you if they are successful in winning your case.
Don’t wait to claim time. Contact Claim Today today to discuss your case and get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
The new offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving has been a welcome addition to the law, providing a more effective deterrent to motorists who drive carelessly and giving victims of serious injury a greater sense of justice.
If you have been injured by a careless driver, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The claim time for serious injuries is three years, so you do not want to miss out on your right to compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.Do not wait. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your case and get the compensation you deserve.
