Fatal car accident under the Italian penal code.

According to the Italian criminal law, when a person dies in a road accident, the person who caused the accident is indicted for manslaughter.

Pursuant to art. 589 of Italian penal code, anyone who causes by negligence or imprudence (or for failure to comply with rules) the death of a person shall be punished with imprisonment from six months to five years. 

If the offense is committed in violation of the rules governing driving on the road, the punishment is imprisonment from two to seven years.

The penalty of imprisonment is from three to ten years if the offense is committed in violation of the rules governing driving on the road by a:
1) person under the influence of alcohol;
2) person under the influence of drugs or psychotropic substances.

In case of death of more people, or the death of one or more persons and injury of one or more persons, the punishment may be increase up to three times, but the penalty can not exceed fifteen years.

It's important to know that criminal proceedings against the responsible person is exercised by the Republic prosecutor's office and not by the victim's family (but the family can ask for compensation).

If you need legal assistance on fatal car accident in Italy, don't hesitate to contact us. Our consultancy is free (click here). 

Please see also:

Fatal car accident attorney in Italy

The compensation to relatives for the loss of family relationship according to Italian Law

What to do if your relative died in a car accident in Italy

Car accidents lawyers in Italy

Car accidents involving pedestrians in Italy

Car accident in Italy: also grandparents are entitled to compensation for the death of a grandchild