Altamonte Springs Skateboarder in Critical Condition after a Hit-and-Run Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 5, 2015

A teenager from Altamonte Springs remains in critical condition after he was struck along with another skateboarder in a hit-and-run accident late Saturday night.

The two skateboarders, Brandyn Keif, 19, and Emmanuel Galarza, 18, were riding their skateboards on the northbound side of Lake Howell Road when what is believed to be a 2014-2015 Silver Mazda struck them and threw them off their skateboards. Both of the teens sustained serious injuries and were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where Galarza’s injuries were considered to be life-threatening. The Mazda fled the scene, although the right-side passenger mirror was recovered.

There were sidewalks available for the boys to skateboard on, even though they were traveling in the northbound lane of the road. Even in the case that sidewalks are not available, pedestrians are supposed to travel in the right side of the lane, facing traffic. If the driver had stayed, and was able to provide a valid driver license, proof of insurance, and was not wanted, that person might not have been at fault. However, because the driver fled, he or she now faces up to 30 years in jail.

Hit and run accidents happen nearly every day for all kinds of reasons, but they can be catastrophic when they involve serious injuries like this example. Drivers who commit hit and runs, whether they involve injuries or not, are liable for prosecution and for compensation on vehicles damages, injuries, and medical expenses. The Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. have vigorously represented hit and run accident victims for more than 30 years, helping them to obtain as much compensation as possible for recovery from accident injuries, and also to bring justice to the negligent drivers who commit these crimes.

If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident, you are not out of luck. For a free initial consultation, contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule an appointment. We offer convenient appointments and accept cases on a contingency fee basis.

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.