Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
SPECIALIST DEFENCE FOR DRIVERS AND OPERATORS FACING INVESTIGATION OR PROSECUTION.
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving is one of the most serious non-fatal motoring offences in England and Wales. It applies where driving is judged to be dangerous and that driving results in serious injury to another person.
Although no fatality has occurred, the sentencing powers are significant. Immediate custody, long disqualification and lasting reputational impact are real risks.
At LMP Legal, we represent private motorists, vocational drivers and fleet operators nationwide. Early specialist advice shapes charging decisions and protects your position from the outset.
What is causing serious injury by dangerous driving?
The offence is committed when a person causes serious injury to another by driving dangerously. Driving is legally defined as dangerous where:
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the standard of driving falls far below that expected of a competent and careful driver; and
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it would be obvious to such a driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.
The distinction between “below” and “far below” is critical. The prosecution must prove a clear and significant departure from ordinary driving standards.
Injuries do not need to be "life-changing" to be considered “serious”. Lacerations and broken bones will also be considered in this category.
What are the potential penalties for causing serious injury by dangerous driving?
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving carries:
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a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment
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mandatory disqualification (minimum two years)
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a compulsory extended driving test before licence restoration
The court assesses culpability and harm. Aggravating features such as previous convictions, passenger carriage or evidence of deliberate risk-taking can increase a sentence.
How LMP Legal defends these cases
We can act from the earliest stage of police involvement. Our focus is on causation, evidential weaknesses and whether the driving genuinely meets the legal threshold for “dangerous”. In some cases, careful analysis forms the foundation of a robust trial defence. In others, it leads to a charge reduction.
Speak to us in confidence
If you are facing a serious motoring offence or are under investigation following a road traffic incident, early advice is essential.
We act exclusively for privately funded clients. Our approach is calm, strategic and professional, with fees agreed clearly at the outset.
Contact us to see how we can help you.
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For those facing motoring and transport-related offences, specialist knowledge of road traffic law, investigation processes, and sentencing guidelines is critical.