Two-Car Accident Killed Man, Critically Injured Three Children
According to accident investigators, a recent two-car accident in Poinciana killed a 19-year-old man and critically injured three children after a car crossed the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said that a 23-year-old St. Cloud woman was driving a 2002 Dodge Neon east on Cypress Parkway near Laurel Avenue about 10:45 a.m. when she drifted over the center line and collided with an oncoming 2008 Suzuki SX4. The collision caused both drivers to lose control of their vehicles, which came to a rest on the north shoulder of the Parkway.
The driver of the Dodge was rushed to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where she is listed in stable condition with undisclosed injuries. Deputies report that the 19-year-old man riding in the passenger seat of the Neon was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. The three children riding in the rear of the Neon, ages 6, 4 and 2, all from St. Cloud, were taken to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando, where they are listed in critical condition with unknown injuries. The driver and only occupant of the Suzuki, a 30-year-old Kissimmee man, was treated at Osceola Regional Medical Center for minor injuries and released. Deputies are still investigating why the driver of the Neon crossed the center line and have not said whether or not charges are pending against her.
Orlando car accident attorney James O. Cunningham has been helping injured people for over 36 years. While each case is different, in many cases where drivers drift into an adjacent or incoming lane, they are doing one or more of the following negligent acts:
- Operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Reaching for an object on the floor
- Disciplining children
- Adjusting the radio/CD player
- Eating while driving
- Applying makeup, shaving, combing their hair or performing other types of grooming
- Driving while drowsy
In recent years, Mr. Cunningham has seen a sharp increase in accidents caused by distracted drivers interacting with personal telecommunication devices to:
- Send and receive texts
- Talk with friends and family
- Surf the web
- Get directions on a GPS-enabled device
- Read email
Any or all of these acts are grossly negligent and endanger everyone in the distracted driver’s vicinity. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident and would like to speak with an Orlando personal injury lawyer, call Mr. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule a free consultation. Florida may be one of the few states left without a ban on cell phone use while driving, but drivers are still liable for the damages they cause. For more information, call Mr. Cunningham today to get an experienced distracted driving lawyer on your side!
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.