Speeding Kills
When a speeding Kia Sorrento smashed into a Nissan Altima and sent both vehicles crashing into a Cadillac Escalade, four children and one woman did not survive the crash. The driver of the Sorrento was a young man who was both inebriated and exceeding the speed limit. It was one more horrendous incident involving a driver who simply refused to follow the rules of the road here in Florida. Due to the fatalities, the driver who caused the crash is facing vehicular manslaughter charges, and could wind up behind bars for a very long time.
It’s No Outlier
People speed far too often in the state. Deputies in Orange County say they cited 101 people for driving over 100 mph in a single month. Some other tragedies involving speeding in the Sunshine State of late include:
- Speeding has become a huge issue in Lehigh Acres, where four deaths occurred within a single week due to recklessness on the road.
- One speeder slammed into another vehicle in Trinity, injuring that driver and losing his own life in an eruption of flames.
- A teen who was driving a Tesla caused a multi-vehicle collision that led to one individual’s hospitalization and two fatalities.
Legislative Changes
Many are hoping for more serious consequences for drivers who decide to break the 100 mph line. These drivers—known as super speeders—could face fines of up to $2500, a license suspension for six months, and having their vehicle impounded for a month if the legislature goes along with critics’ proposals. The fine and license suspension could double for a second offense.
Civil Charges
While criminal charges may do a good job of penalizing reckless drivers, they don’t do much to help the families of innocent victims who are seriously harmed or killed at the hands of a reckless or careless driver. While nothing can erase the pain and trauma involved in these situations, it may be possible to be awarded damages to address medical costs, funeral costs, lost present and future wages, and much more. Florida statute requires the case to be filed within two years of an accident, and must demonstrate the fault of the defendant by a preponderance of evidence. Among the evidence provided in a personal injury case these items would likely be included:
- Police reports;
- Witness statements;
- Photos and videos;
- Medical reports;
- Therapy and long-term care costs;
- Doctors’ testimony;
- Projections related to future medical costs and earnings losses;
- Family members’ testimony on the impact of the accident.
Fighting for You
The experienced Kissimmee and Orlando car accident lawyers at Salazar & Kelly Law Group are here to help in the aftermath of a serious accident that impacted your family. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee office today.
Source:
cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-gardens-crash-woman-4-children-killed-witness/
