South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Earlier this month, one Florida teen was killed and four others injured when they were struck by an allegedly drunk driver as they crossed the street after exiting the school bus. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the collision occurred in Polk County.
Evidently, the driver of a Kia Rio was driving near Poinciana when he started to learn forward onto the steering wheel. As he did so, the car drifted off the right shoulder and struck the students, who had just recently gotten off the school bus and were walking home. After the initial collision, the driver regained awareness and then left the scene. A motorist who witnessed the accident followed the driver, who eventually crashed into an SUV before coming to a stop.
Authorities arrived on the scene a short time later and believed the man to be under the influence of alcohol. They administered an alcohol-content test, which revealed that the driver’s blood-alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit. Sadly, one of the boys who was struck by the driver passed away in the hospital later that day. Another teen was admitted to the intensive care unit with a broken orbital bone.
The driver was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, and reckless driving.
Drunk Driving Accidents on South Florida Roads
Despite the known dangers of drunk driving, motorists continue to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. In fact, nearly 800 people last year were killed in alcohol-related accidents across Florida. This figure represents about 27% of all traffic fatalities occurring in the state.
When a drunk driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for any injuries resulting from the accident through a Florida personal injury lawsuit. In many cases, the fact that a driver was cited for drunk driving can help an accident victim prove their case. If successful, an accident victim may recover compensation for their past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering they have endured as a result of the accident. Anyone who has been involved in a Florida DUI accident should consult with a dedicated South Florida personal injury attorney to discuss their case.
Are You in Need of an Attorney?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a South Florida DUI accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled injury attorneys at the South Florida law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have the experience and dedication necessary to be successful on behalf of their clients. With decades of combined experience, the attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are experienced in the substantive legal principles necessary to succeed in Florida personal injury cases. Call 855-800-8000 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
See Additional Blog Posts:
Slip-and-Fall Plaintiff’s Expert Witness Creates Material Issue That Court Holds Must Be Resolved by a Jury, South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog, April 12, 2017.
Florida Supreme Court Discusses Burden-Shifting Analysis in Medical Malpractice Cases Where Foreign Objects Are Left in a Patient’s Body, South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog, March 29, 2017.