Wrong Way Driver Causes Three Accidents on Florida’s I-4
A westbound driver in the eastbound lanes of I-4 caused two separate accident late Tuesday night, before being involved in a third fatal accident according to officials. The wrong-way driver was identified as Gloria Marcial of Polk City, Florida. Marcial was 58 years old.
The first accident caused by Marcial’s vehicle was just west of State Road 436. An eastbound vehicle swerved to miss Marcial’s Chevrolet HHR and hit another eastbound vehicle. The second incident, which occurred near Maitland Boulevard, was a single vehicle that ran into a guardrail to avoid Marcial. The third, fatal accident occurred just west of Fairbanks Avenue on Interstate 4. Marcial’s vehicle hit the front of a pickup truck driven by 73-year-old Ralph Water of Altamonte Springs. Both drivers were transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Marcial later died at the hospital and Walter is listed in serious condition. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. The accident is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
It is unknown at this time why Marcial began driving the wrong way on Interstate 4, and continued in this direction. Toxicology tests are pending and Marcial’s mental health history is also unknown at this time. For Florida drivers, Tuesday’s incidents are an important reminder of the need to stay vigilant while behind the wheel. Interstate 4 is a multi-lane highway, with east and westbound traffic separated by a median in the middle. Most drivers would not expect to see oncoming traffic in their lane. Also, these incidents occurred after dark, around 9:30pm, which decreases visibility especially at higher rates of speed.
The best defense against any accident caused by another driver is to remain alert and undistracted while driving. This includes avoiding talking or texting on cell phones, eating or drinking, and even listening to loud music that may drown out sirens or other hazardous cues around you.
However, sometimes even all of these actions aren’t enough to prevent a serious accident caused by another driver. These accidents may involve grave injury or even death. When these events occur, the first concern is always for the health of the victims. But, as injuries heal, life does not always go back to normal. An injury can have a lifelong impact on the victim physically, mentally or financially.
Fortunately, help is available. At the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, our legal team specializes in personal injury litigation. We can review your case and recommend the best course of action, so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. For a free initial consultation, contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.
James O. Cunningham
Since 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.