traffic accident attorney, 12 categories of gross negligence
traffic accident attorney

The 12 Categories of Gross Negligence in Traffic Accidents

 

The 12 categories of gross negligence in traffic accidents refer to accidents caused by a driver's carelessness or violation of traffic laws. This describes situations where a driver fails to comply with traffic safety regulations, or disregards an accident risk or rule that goes unrecognized while driving. Traffic accidents resulting from driver carelessness can undermine traffic safety and cause harm to life and property, and they carry criminal penalties accordingly.

Traffic accidents can occur due to a driver's carelessness, and they are treated as serious matters that threaten traffic safety. In particular, the 12 categories of gross negligence in traffic accidents encompass accidents that occur when a driver breaks traffic laws or ignores safety rules. These traffic accidents are recognized as problems tied not only to an individual driver's carelessness but also to public safety, and they can give rise to legal liability. Drivers must therefore make traffic safety their top priority when driving, and active efforts are needed to prevent traffic accidents.

 

The 12 Categories of Gross Negligence

 

- Violating a traffic signal or instruction

- Crossing the center line

- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h

- Improper overtaking or cutting in

- Violating the rules for crossing a railroad crossing

- Failing to protect pedestrians at a crosswalk

- Unlicensed driving

- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs

- Driving onto a sidewalk or improperly crossing a sidewalk

- Violating the duty to prevent passengers from falling

- Causing bodily injury to a child by violating the duty of safe driving in a child protection zone

- Failing to take the measures necessary to keep a vehicle's cargo from falling

 

Penalties for the 12 Categories of Gross Negligence

 

When a traffic accident occurs through one of the 12 categories of gross negligence, the driver faces imprisonment without labor for up to 5 years or a criminal fine of up to KRW 20 million. The driver may also be subject to disciplinary measures such as penalty points and license suspension. When the damage is not severe and the driver reaches an amicable settlement with the victim, the case usually ends with a criminal fine. However, if the victim receives a medical diagnosis requiring 2 months or more of treatment and one or more of the categories was violated, or receives a diagnosis requiring 6 weeks or more of treatment and two or more of the categories were violated, the driver may be taken into custody.

 

Why You Need a Specialized Attorney

 

A traffic accident falling under the 12 categories of gross negligence is a legal matter that imposes heavy penalties on the driver, and it can carry considerable legal liability. In such situations, the help of a traffic accident attorney is extremely important. A traffic accident attorney analyzes the details of the accident, understands the legal procedures, and works to protect the driver's rights and obligations. They argue the case in court on the driver's behalf, gather objective evidence to analyze the matter, and develop the best possible defense strategy. In addition, drawing on their legal expertise, a traffic accident attorney provides legal advice to the driver in order to minimize criminal penalties and help secure reasonable compensation. Therefore, a driver who faces legal trouble because of a traffic accident in the 12 categories of gross negligence should seek the professional advice and assistance of a traffic accident attorney.