Crash Between Orange County Deputy and Civilian
On Wednesday evening, a 51-year-old woman was involved in a crash with a police cruiser that resulted in her being sent to the hospital. The accident took place close to 7:30 in the evening, at the intersection of Alafaya Trail and Colonial Drive. The deputy, a member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, was responding to an emergency call that took him southward on Alafaya Trail. According to the report, Deputy Wayne Lenihan, a 51-year-old, had engaged both the emergency lights and the siren as he made his way towards the intersection with Colonial Drive.
Deputy Lanihan states that before the accident, the other cars in the area pulled over to the side in order that the cruiser could easily pass by. For reasons that are not currently understood, Reyes either did not see or hear the cruiser or thought that it was far enough away from the intersection for her to make it safely through. The light was green for Reyes, however it is the law that an emergency vehicle with its lights on has the right of way at any intersection.
Unable to stop in time, Deputy Lanihan’s car impacted that of Reyes. The accident, while not fatal to either individual, did result in Reyes being transported to the Orlando Medical Center. She is believed to be suffering from minor injuries. While benign sounding, “minor injuries” still come with medical bills and other unexpected financial obligations. Additionally, many injuries that at first seem relatively simple resurface years later, causing us pain and discomfort without warning.
Unlike Reyes, Deputy Lanihan was not injured in any way during the crash. He was not transported to the hospital, and it is believed that he did not suffer from any problems as a result of the collision.
The crash is currently under investigation to see if either party should carry the brunt of culpability. At this time, no charges have been brought forward against either of the two individuals involved in the crash, however it is still possible the investigation will turn up some new and surprising evidence.
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.