RSSDeltona Man Dies From Injuries Sustained in Early February ATV Accident
According to an official statement released to the press from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office on February 25th, 2021, the 35-year-old victim of an ATV accident has sadly succumbed to his injuries and he passed away over the weekend. The Deltona resident had been hospitalized and fighting for his life for nearly 3 weeks after the all-terrain vehicle he was driving crashed into the side of a FedEx package delivery truck.
It was approximately 10 a.m. on the morning of February 5th when 35-year-old Joseph Sledge was driving his ATV along the shoulder of Courtland Boulevard in the northbound direction of South Dorchester Drive in Deltona. At this same time, a man driving a FedEx delivery truck was also heading towards South Dorchester Drive and when he reached the road, he made a right-hand turn. This maneuver put the delivery truck into the direct path of Sledge’s ATV and although he desperately attempted to stop the recreational vehicle by slamming on the brakes, his efforts proved to be futile as the ATV flipped and he still crashed into the passenger’s side of the truck with a tremendous amount of force.
First responders to the scene of the accident discovered that Mr. Sledge was suffering from serious injuries and required immediate transportation to a trauma center for additional emergency treatment. Upon stabilizing the victim enough for transport, he was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford where he remained until his passing on Saturday.
The driver of the FedEx truck was uninjured in the collision and officers with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office have since stated that neither driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred.
ATV enthusiasts and recreational vehicle riders have been driving around our roads for decades, regardless of the potential dangers that their favorite hobby may have. Under Florida law, you must be at least 16 years of age to drive an ATV and you are required to wear a helmet that meets the safety standards of the United States Department of Transportation. Furthermore, drivers are not allowed to operate an all-terrain vehicle on public highways, roads, or streets.
Sources:
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.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.