What Is Vehicular Assault in Sacramento, California?

When a person drives recklessly, aggressively, or in an impaired manner and causes serious bodily injury to someone else, they can face felony vehicular assault charges under California law.

In Sacramento, prosecutors may classify vehicular assault as a criminal charge, particularly when the action results in serious injury, such as broken bones, damage to a bodily organ, or any bodily harm that places someone’s life at risk.

Still, there are countless people asking, "What is vehicular assault, and how is it punished in California?"

From collisions at crosswalks to high-speed incidents fueled by alcohol or other substances, the aftermath often involves civil lawsuits, potential jail time, and a mountain of medical costs. Goss Law can advise on defenses to vehicular assault in CA.

Can Driving Under the Influence Result in a Driver's License Suspension?

Under state law, even a first-time DUI offense can result in a suspended license, depending on the driver’s blood alcohol content and whether they caused bodily injury to another motorist/pedestrian.

If the DUI incident causes serious bodily injury, the consequences become even more severe.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend a license independently of the court system, meaning a driver can lose their driving privileges before even appearing in front of a judge.

In many cases where a driver is guilty of vehicular assault, the license suspension is just the beginning.

Drivers may also face criminal charges, mandatory DUI education programs, and costly reinstatement procedures.

Also, for repeat offenders or those involved in multiple charges or life-threatening accidents, the suspension period extends, sometimes indefinitely. There are different elements of vehicular assault in CA.

Reckless Driving Can Cause Serious Bodily Injury

When a person drives recklessly due to the influence of alcohol, they fail to consider the safety of others on the road. Whether it’s weaving through traffic, running red lights, or racing in residential areas, such conduct dramatically increases the risk of a vehicular assault charge.

California law holds reckless drivers accountable, especially when their actions cause physical injury to another.

Victims of this negligence may suffer from broken bones, head trauma, or long-term disabilities.

A Motor Vehicle Is Considered a Deadly Weapon in Vehicular Assault Charges

Even if no weapon is physically wielded, California's vehicular assault law recognizes the substantial risk posed when someone uses a vehicle in a dangerous or violent manner.

In cases involving a police officer or other protected people, the penalties grow even steeper.

Assaulting a peace officer with a vehicle can lead to enhanced charges and longer sentences. A person doesn’t need to be over the legal limit for alcohol or drugs to face serious consequences.

Vehicular assault charges can result from sober but reckless actions, especially if the incident escalates into domestic violence or is part of another criminal act.

Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault driver may face time in county jail, probation, license suspension, or even felony charges.

What Does Negligent Operation Mean?

Negligent operation refers to the act of driving a vehicle in a way that a reasonable person would recognize as careless, risky, or unsafe under the circumstances.

Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with caution, focus, and responsibility. When they fail to do so by speeding, ignoring traffic laws, texting behind the wheel, or simply not paying attention, they may be considered negligent.

The law does not mandate that a driver be intentionally harmful for a charge to apply. If their behavior creates a substantial risk of harm and results in great bodily injury to another person, that’s enough to establish negligent operation.

How Is a Person with Multiple Criminal Charges Punished Under California Law?

When a person faces multiple criminal charges, the justice system does not treat each offense in isolation.

Instead, courts consider the totality of the charges, and the consequences can escalate quickly. Each added offense increases the complexity of the case, often leading to more severe penalties, longer jail time, and a higher likelihood of felony convictions.

California’s legal framework includes what’s known as the “Three Strikes Law,” which imposes harsher sentences on people with prior serious or violent felonies. A second strike can double the sentence for a new offense.

On the other hand, a third strike can mean 25 years to life in state prison, even if the latest charge is less severe than previous ones.

Judges weigh several factors during sentencing:

• Was the defendant on probation or parole?

• Did they cause bodily injury or risk public safety?

• Were weapons or motor vehicles involved?

• Did the individual show gross negligence or blatant disregard for others’ lives?

Moreover, when someone commits separate crimes in a single incident while driving under the influence, each offense may carry its own sentence. For more information, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help.

In some cases, these penalties run consecutively, stacking years behind bars one after another.

Other Circumstances That Can Result in a Vehicular Assault Lawsuit

Vehicular assault isn’t always tied to high-speed chases or alcohol-related crashes. In reality, many other circumstances can trigger a vehicular assault lawsuit in California, some of them disturbingly common.

When a driver acts with gross negligence or uses their motor vehicle as a threat, the law may treat the act as assault with a deadly weapon.

Situations such as road rage, tailgating, or deliberately swerving toward another vehicle or pedestrian can lead to serious legal consequences.

Who Can File a Civil Lawsuit for Physical Harm?

Any victim who experiences bodily injury, whether from a vehicular assault, reckless driving, or another act of negligence, has the right to file a civil lawsuit.

This legal action allows the injured party to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain, and suffering.

In many cases, family members of victims, such as parents or legal guardians, may also file claims, especially when the victim is a minor or cannot represent themselves.

Final Words

Victims of vehicular assault often face great bodily harm, overwhelming medical bills, and emotional trauma that can linger for years.

Whether the harm was caused by careless driving, DUI, or the negligent operation of a motor vehicle, the law offers a path forward.

Fortunately, an experienced attorney from Goss Law can offer victims dedicated representation. The right legal advocate can help victims pursue compensation or guide the accused through the legal process with integrity and diligence.