RSSTwo Girls Seriously Injured in Marion County ATV Accident
It was early into the evening this past Wednesday, August 7th, when two 7-year-old girls sustained serious injuries after the all-terrain vehicle they were driving was struck by another vehicle just outside of Dunnellton in Chatmire.
According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol operating within Marion County, it was shortly after 6 p.m. when the two young girls were driving their ATV around on private property when, for reasons currently unknown, they exited the area and entered the roadway into the path of oncoming traffic. It was at this same time that 37-year-old Leshaun Gunter was driving her 2002 Buick Rendezvous northbound via Southwest 198th Terrace. The SUV struck the ATV, causing it to spin around and overturn.
Two seperate Marion County Fire Rescue teams were dispatched to the area, both arriving within minutes of each other, with the first of the emergency call comings in to dispatchers at approximately 6:15 p.m. Once the rescuers had assessed the situation, they determined that based on the severity of their injuries, the children would need to be transported by helicopter to the nearest hospital. A makeshift landing pad was created in a nearby Walmart parking lot, and the girls were both medivaced to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where they are listed to be in serious & critical conditions.
Florida ATV Law states that “no person under 16 years of age may operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle unless the person wears a safety helmet and eye protection.” The two children involved in this ATV accident weren’t wearing helmets, nor were they utilizing any type of safety restraints. It is unknown as to whether or not there was adult supervision overseeing this “joyride”, or if the girls were out there on their own accord. An investigation into this case is currently ongoing.
For over forty years, Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham has been representing the victims of ATV accidents. If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.
Sources:
- Two girls seriously injured in ATV crash near Dunnellon
- 2 children injured in ATV crash in Marion County
- 7-year-old girls hospitalized in ATV crash in Chatmire
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.