1. Overview
A man, driving a stolen vehicle without a valid license, entered an urban intersection at high speed while running a red light. He collided with another vehicle that was lawfully passing through the intersection, resulting in the death of the other driver.
2. Accident Details
Time: Night (limited visibility)
Location: Urban signal-controlled intersection
Offending Vehicle:
Stolen passenger car
Traveling at approximately 90 km/h (well above the speed limit)
Entered the intersection despite a red signal
Victim's Vehicle:
Proceeded through the green light lawfully
No evidence of speeding or violation
Collision Point: Impact occurred on the driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle
Outcome: The victim died instantly; the driver fled the scene and was later apprehended
3. Fault Assessment
3-1. Fault of the Offending Driver
Excessive speeding (nearly twice the speed limit)
Disregard of traffic signal
Failure to slow down or stop before entering the intersection
Unlicensed and uninsured driver
➤ The court deemed the driving behavior “extremely reckless,” though not intentional
3-2. Fault of the Victim
Obeyed traffic signals and speed limits
➤ No fault attributed to the victim
3-3. Liability of the Vehicle Owner (of the stolen vehicle)
The vehicle was properly locked, and the key was in the owner's possession
➤ No negligence or civil liability assigned to the owner
4. Conclusion
4-1. Criminal Liability
Charges: Reckless driving causing death, classified as second-degree murder
Sentence: More than 15 years of imprisonment
➤ The court recognized the event as a fatal crash due to gross misconduct, not a simple accident
4-2. Civil Liability
The offending driver held full liability for damages
However, due to lack of insurance and financial resources, actual compensation was unlikely
The owner of the stolen vehicle and their insurer were not held responsible