Negligent Driver Injures Two, Kills One in Orlando Car Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 5, 2018

A GMC truck driven by a 54-year-old Orlando native was responsible for a multi-car accident. Driving down Silver Star Road, the truck was making a left turn onto Sheringham Road when it collided with an oncoming Pontiac.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the 22-year-old male driver of the Pontiac was left critically injured, while the 22-year-old male passenger was killed. A third vehicle was also hit, although the details of how remain unclear. The driver of this vehicle was reported to have suffered minor injuries.

Although the accident remains under investigation, it seems clear that the driver of the GMC truck was at fault. Most likely, he made the left turn without properly looking for oncoming vehicles. Perhaps he was under the influence or was texting and not paying attention. Or maybe he just mistimed the turn. Regardless, in all likelihood, his failure to yield to the oncoming vehicle before turning will be considered a negligent act.

As a result, the injured parties and the surviving family of the deceased (via Florida’s wrongful death statute) all have ground to file a lawsuit against the GMC driver. If successful, they can receive compensation for such damages as:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Future loss of income
• Damage to property
• Pain and suffering

For the deceased, under Florida’s wrongful death statute, the right to seek compensation passes on to the victim’s surviving family (i.e., children, spouse, etc.). This is the law’s way of helping to alleviate the loss of support – both financial and emotional – that surviving family members suffer. In order to be compensated, they will have to demonstrate that they depended on the deceased for such support. It is important to note that Florida has a strict statute of limitations for wrongful death actions, so it is essential that you speak to an experienced attorney right away. If you fail to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, you could be barred from receiving the compensation you deserve.

Florida personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits are complicated. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today and schedule your free initial consultation.

Sources:

• Man dies in crash on Silver Star Road in Orange County, FHP says

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.