Fatal Single-Car-Crash Near Tampa Possibly Alcohol Related

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on November 22, 2019

Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol are pointing to alcohol as a key player in a fatal crash that took place along Interstate 275 close to Tampa. What exactly took place remains the subject of an investigation into the incident, but the early reports suggested that the crash happened close to 4:00 on the morning of Sunday, November 17th.

At this time, a 32-year-old Wesley Chapel resident was behind the wheel of their vehicle as they made their way along the northern lanes of I-275. It is not clear if the troopers received their information from eyewitnesses to the incident, but the report claims that the driver of the car was clearly traveling at an advanced rate of speed in the moments leading up to the crash.

The car sped towards a noticeable bend in the road, just north of Bearss Avenue, and the driver apparently was not prepared to adjust their driving style in order to accommodate the slight shift in direction. As a result, they did not handle the curve in a safe manner, resulting in them losing control of the vehicle.

The BMW being driven by the 32-year-old departed from the roadway and almost immediately collided with a tree located nearby. The force of the car striking the tree was considerable and resulted in the car being split almost entirely in half. After this, the rear of the car burst into flames.

It is not known whether or not the driver of the car died as a result of the forceful crash or if they died in the fire that followed. It was not immediately apparent whether or not the individual was alive when the paramedics and EMTs reached the scene or if he died before any emergency assistance could reach him.

In addition to the firm belief that alcohol played a role in the motorist’s death, the emergency response crews also confirmed that the individual was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The incident remains under investigation as authorities seek to pin down the precise reasons for the fatal accident and whether or not any other factors were present that might have led to the crash.

Sources:

• Driver loses control on I-275; car hits tree, splits in half, catches fire: FHP

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.