A woman was recently found guilty in a tragic case of negligence relating to a fatal June 2010 car accident in Montreal. According to court proceedings, the auto accident occurred after the convicted woman stopped her car to help some ducklings that were on the roadside. After the woman parked her car on the roadside, a motorcyclist slammed into the back of it.
Both the motorcyclist and his daughter, who was riding on the back of the bike with him at the time, were killed in this unfortunate motor vehicle collision. The woman who had parked her car to help the ducks was charged with two counts relating to criminal negligence that caused death, along with two more counts for dangerous driving that caused death. A jury of 10 found the woman guilty on all four counts.
The convicted 25-year-old woman could face many years in prison as a result of this conviction. Her pre-sentencing hearing, however, will not occur until Aug. 8 of this year. In the meantime, the woman’s lawyer says that they are considering an appeal.
The sentencing of this woman on four criminal counts for deadly motor vehicle violations may seem extreme to some. However, negligent driving practices that cause an auto accident and death to other drivers and passengers are viewed as very serious matters by courts in Canada. Also, plaintiffs in personal injury and/or wrongful death claims may be able to use the evidence and rulings from criminal court proceedings to seek restitution for damages caused by the driver found guilty in such accidents.
Source: macleans.ca, "Quebec woman who stopped for ducks guilty in 2 deaths" Peter Rakobowchuk, Jun. 20, 2014
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