Driver Arrested for DUI After High-Speed Crash with a Semi-Truck in Tampa

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on November 2, 2021

Local Tampa commuters faced miles of backed-up traffic Tuesday morning after a high-speed chase between a Florida Highway Patrol deputy and a reckless driver led to a collision with a semi-truck along an exit ramp of Interstate 275 in Hillsborough County.

According to preliminary collision reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, it was before the sun had even started to rise in Tampa when a keen-eyed deputy noticed a 2017 Nissan Maxima traveling without its headlights on in the westbound direction of State Road 400 while tailgating another vehicle. The officer attempted to initiate a routine traffic stop with the Nissan, however, as the police cruiser pulled up to the passenger car, it sped off down the highway.

The FHP deputy immediately gave chase to the vehicle and both cars reached speeds of over 100 mph at one point during the pursuit. As both drivers approached a southbound exit ramp of I-275, the individual behind the wheel of the Nissan was unable to avoid a collision with a nearby semi-truck and crashed into its trailer. Statements from the officer involved in the incident said that the Nissan’s driver, now identified as Willie D. Lloyd, Jr. from St. Petersburg, tried to flee the scene of the accident on foot, but was quickly caught by another FHP trooper.

In addition to an open container, a firearm, and ammunition, two female passengers were also inside of the Nissan Maxima when it crashed. They suffered a variety of injuries during the collision, none of which were life-threatening. The 44-year-old semi-truck driver from Orlando was unharmed.

After he was apprehended, Willie D. Lloyd, Jr. was arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, DUI serious injury, DUI property damage, driving while license suspended, fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash with injury, resisting without violence. Lloyd is also an alleged burglary suspect from an incident in Pinellas County.

Since 1977, Tampa auto accident attorney James O. Cunningham has been representing victims who have been injured due to a drunk driver. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY to make an appointment.

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.