Excessive Speed a Factor in Florida Auto Accident That Killed Three Men

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 9, 2013

Florida Highway Patrol troopers believe that excessive speed led to a horrific auto accident that killed three Illinois men. The accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on the evening of March 13 on Wekiva River Road near State Road 46 in Sorrento. The accident killed the 46-year-old driver and his 36-year-old and 28-year-old passengers, all from Illinois. Troopers closed Wekiva River Road for nearly six hours while they reconstructed the accident and cleared debris from the roadway. They believe that excessive speeds were a contributing factor in the grisly accident.

Troopers report that the three victims were northbound on Wekiva River Road near S.R. 46 in a Mustang convertible with the top down when the driver lost control and swerved into oncoming traffic. When the Mustang crossed into the oncoming lanes, it collided with a pickup truck towing a boat. The pickup struck the Mustang broadside, nearly cutting the car in two and came to a stop on top of the open convertible.

Nearby residents have warned Lake County officials about speeders on the road for many years and have asked police to crack down on careless drivers.

"I could go my whole life without ever having to see that again," said Chris, a nearby resident who came upon the scene and asked that we not use his full name.

The man’s home is only a few feet from the accident scene. He told reporters that he has written a stack of letters to the Lake County sheriff, asking to crack down on speeders in his neighborhood.

"I’m sure they’ve done what they can, but obviously it wasn’t enough. I’m sure you could ask those people’s families if they did enough and they would say no," he said. “My children can’t play in the front yard, we’ve had speeders slide through this fence and through the front yard. We moved out to the country to be able to play in the yard, not to have to hide in the backyard.”

Excessive speed and other reckless, negligent driving habits lead to many terrible auto accidents in and around Central Florida. When careless drivers injure others, victims have a right to seek damages to help pay medical bills, replace lost income and cover many other damages. If a negligent driver has injured you or a family member and you want to learn more about your rights and legal options, call Orlando auto accident injury attorney James O. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587). Mr. Cunningham has been using his skills and experience as an Orlando personal injury lawyer to help injured people since 1977. He works hard to help each client receive the maximum possible compensation for his or her injuries. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

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.