skip to content
blog home Auto Accident Wrong Way Driver Causes Three Accidents on Florida’s I-4

Wrong Way Driver Causes Three Accidents on Florida’s I-4

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 15, 2015

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

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.

Related Articles:

Do I Have A Case?

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential

Martindale Hubbell | Highest Ethical standing
  • Bar Register Preeminent Lawyers
  • The Florida Bar Board Certified
  • NBLSC Board Certified Lawyers
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Lead Counsel Rated
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb
  • The Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Personal Injury
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Personal Injury
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent High Ethical Standing
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers
  • Florida Legal Elite

Client Testimonials

5 StarsMr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.
I would and have recommended Mr. Cunningham as an attorney. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided for me and my family. I will definately use Mr. Cunningham in the future if I ever need an attorney again. John, a Personal Injury client

Read Reviews

Request a free 30-minute case evaluation with attorney James O. Cunningham. Request Free Evaluation

Close Form

Receive a free case evaluation.

All submissions are personally reviewed by attorney James O. Cunningham within hours.

padlock 100% Secure and Confidential