In Alberta, it is illegal to hit a pedestrian with a car and doing so can result in criminal charges and the possibility of jail time. The specific consequences of hitting a pedestrian with a car in Alberta depend on the circumstances of the incident, including the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries and the driver’s actions leading up to the incident.
Criminal charges for hitting a pedestrian with a car
If a driver hits a pedestrian with their car in Alberta and the pedestrian is seriously injured or killed, the driver may face criminal charges, including:
- Dangerous driving causing bodily harm: If the pedestrian is seriously injured but not killed, the driver may be charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- Dangerous driving causing death: If the pedestrian is killed, the driver may be charged with dangerous driving causing death. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
- Impaired driving causing bodily harm or death: If the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, they may be charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm or death, depending on the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries. These offenses carry maximum penalties of 10 and 14 years in prison, respectively.
In addition to these criminal charges, a driver who hits a pedestrian with their car in Alberta may also face civil liability for the pedestrian’s injuries or death. This means that the driver may be sued by the pedestrian or their family for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Factors that can affect the consequences of hitting a pedestrian with a car
The specific consequences of hitting a pedestrian with a car in Alberta will depend on the circumstances of the incident. Some factors that can affect the consequences include:
- The severity of the pedestrian’s injuries: If the pedestrian’s injuries are serious or life-threatening, the driver may face more severe criminal charges and penalties.
- The driver’s actions leading up to the incident: If the driver was engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior, such as speeding or texting while driving, they may face more severe criminal charges and penalties.
