What distinguishes vehicular negligent injury from first-degree vehicular negligent injury?

The distinction between vehicular negligent injury and first-degree vehicular negligent injury lies in the severity of the injuries caused. For a charge to elevate from vehicular negligent injury to first-degree vehicular negligent injury, there must be proof of serious bodily injury. Serious bodily injury typically refers to injuries that result in substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.

This elevation in charge reflects the legal system's recognition of the greater harm caused by actions that lead to serious injuries, thus carrying more severe penalties compared to the less severe category of vehicular negligent injury, which can involve minor injuries or property damage.