Florida Victims of Wednesday’s Head-On Collision Identified

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 30, 2015

The two drivers involved in Wednesday morning’s fatal head-on collision on Apopka Vineland Road have been identified. According to the Florida High Patrol the victims are Lidiya Varvak, 54, of Orlando, and Joel Shoaf, also of Orlando.

Around midday on Wednesday, Varvak was driving a 2010 Ford sedan southbound on Apopka Vineland Road when she suddenly crossed into the northbound lanes of traffic. She collided head-on with a 2005 Ford truck driven by Shoaf. Varvak was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Shoaf was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

It is unknown at this time why Varvak crossed the center into oncoming traffic. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts, however speed and the force of the collision were significant factors contributing to the severity of injuries to both drivers. There were no passengers in either vehicle at the time of the accident. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Head-on collisions are among the most deadly accidents that occur on Florida roads, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Even with restraint devices in place and working air bags, the force of two objects slamming together often causes significant internal injuries to many victims. Causes behind many of these accidents are numerous, and can be anything from dozing off behind the wheel to reaching for a cell phone on the passenger seat, or blowing out a tire while travelling at a high rate of speed. If you are in an approaching vehicle and notice that the other driver is in trouble, sound your horn and take evasive action. If possible, try to steer right to avoid placing your own vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic.

There are many steps that everyone can take to avoid many potential accidents, including staying alert and monitoring your surroundings. Avoid texting or taking phone calls while driving, and always buckle up. These are good driving habits everyone must practice every time they take the keys in hand.

If you, or a loved one have been injured in a Florida auto accident, contact us at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial 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.