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Slow Down After Massive Florida Auto Accidents

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 13, 2012

Orlando auto accident lawyer James O. Cunningham is urging all drivers to slow down and make sure to allow plenty of space between vehicles when driving. He was reminded of the importance of people adjusting their driving habits to weather conditions and allowing adequate space between vehicles after a recent massive collision on Interstate 75 in Sarasota County. The accident occurred on I-75 near mile marker 213 during a fierce downpour and sent more than 50 people to nearby hospitals and closed the interstate for more than six hours. The crash involved at least 47 cars in at least 12 separate crashes at the site.

"We were going south and we come up over the overpass and the cars are all sliding and stopping in front of us and there was nothing I could do so we just slid right into them," said Bob Sipkema, from North Port.

Sipkema and his wife Mary were on their way home when they became involved in the accident.

"It was horrible. It was about three seconds, I was going about 60, I probably slowed it down to about 35 or 40 on impact and all I could do is see the cars in front of me, I hollered to Mary right before we’re going to crash. Before I even got out of the car I said, ‘are you ok, are you ok?’ and she was ok, and then my next thing was to get her out in case there was fire," he said.

Florida seems to have an inordinate number of multi-vehicle accidents. Torrential rain, fog, smoke, heavy traffic and other conditions have all been contributing factors in recent pile-ups that have killed and injured scores of Floridians in the last couple of years. When these conditions are present, even careful and experienced drivers with clean driving records can operate their vehicles negligently and cause accidents by driving too fast for conditions, following the vehicle in front of them too closely, talking on their cell phones and other negligent acts.

Mr. Cunningham and other Orlando personal injury attorneys would like to remind all Floridians to slow down, stop tailgating, turn off their cell phones and focus on operating their vehicles safely, especially during bad weather. It only takes a moment to do something that you’ll regret for the rest of your life. Leave home early, and adjust your driving to the situation. If traffic is heavy, it’s much better to arrive a few minutes late than to cause an accident that injures people. If you or a family member has been involved in an auto accident and you would like to speak with an attorney, call 800-425-2004 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

James O. Cunningham

James O. CunninghamSince 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

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