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Hypothetical Dilemma

S

Spooner

Lifer
You are driving down the road and a dog runs out in front of you (owner is present without the dog leashed) - you swerve on instinct causing an accident with another vehicle that results in a death. Should you be charged with manslaughter or is the dog owner liable as it should have been leashed?
 
It's your fault for swerving, but no one should be charged with a crime. It was an accident.
 
Originally posted by: ggnl
It's your fault for swerving, but no one should be charged with a crime. It was an accident.
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LOL.
This hypothetical situation is in the US right?
Accident, lol.
 
I was under the impression that they still taught you never to swerve unless it's a very large animal (Deer, Elk, Moose, etc). Regardless, you should be charged with manslaughter.
 
Originally posted by: Spooner
You are driving down the road and a dog runs out in front of you (owner is present without the dog leashed) - you swerve on instinct causing an accident with another vehicle that results in a death. Should you be charged with manslaughter or is the dog owner liable as it should have been leashed?
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I wouldn't swerve into another vehicle in that situation. I'd try to stop but I wouldn't swerve.
 
My understanding is that driving laws are based on the idea that you should be in control of your car at all times. If you can't react to a reasonable emergency situation without causing a worse emergency, you aren't in control of your car. Obviously this isn't always possible, but if an owner is walking their dog, chances are this was a local road. If you can't stop in time if someone/something runs out into a local road, you are driving too fast.
 
Originally posted by: ggnl
It's your fault for swerving, but no one should be charged with a crime. It was an accident.
Click to expand...
I'd split blame between both (poll option?). As far as criminal charges? Absolutely. Intent or not, a life is lost, a family is likely devastated.
 
Originally posted by: Rainsford
My understanding is that driving laws are based on the idea that you should be in control of your car at all times. If you can't react to a reasonable emergency situation without causing a worse emergency, you aren't in control of your car. Obviously this isn't always possible, but if an owner is walking their dog, chances are this was a local road. If you can't stop in time if someone/something runs out into a local road, you are driving too fast.
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If you're driving 15MPH down a residential road, and a dog darts out in front of you, it's still going to take a few feet and seconds to come to a complete stop.
 
Originally posted by: Excelsior
The 9 who voted for the dog owner should be sterilized.
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So someone throwing things in the road / at cars wouldn't be guilty of a crime, in your opinion?
 
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