RSSTen People Injured in Orlando Drag Racing Accident
Orlando police report that they have made an arrest in a recent drag racing incident that critically injured two people and sent eight other spectators to area hospitals. They say that the apprehension of one of the drivers, a 22-year-old Central Florida man, will lead to several charges including unlawful racing, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, reckless driving and others. Orlando auto accident attorney James O. Cunningham and his peers in the legal community find it sadly ironic that this crash happened shortly after Orlando city officials unanimously rejected a proposed plan to make area roadways safer by allowing drag racing on area racetracks.
Police say that the accident occurred around 3 a.m. one recent morning on Heintzelman Blvd. near Orlando International Airport. They report that the suspect was racing another driver when he lost control of his car and crashed into pedestrians and vehicles parked nearby. A 17-year-old minor and a 28-year-old man were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition, and eight other witnesses also injured in the drag racing accident either drove themselves or were taken by witnesses to area hospitals for treatment.
Drag racing has been around as long as motorized transportation. Folks in Central Florida and throughout the state hear the revving engines and screeching tires of drag racing on a regular basis despite efforts by law enforcement officials to crack down on these illegal street races. Street racing is illegal, of course, but it is also incredibly dangerous, as this drag racing accident clearly indicates. In 1999, the Florida Department of Highway and Safety for Motor Vehicles said illegal street racing caused 28 accidents that resulted in two deaths and 27 injuries, and the following year, 39 drag racing accidents caused at least one death and 55 injuries. How big is the street racing problem in our state? Police officers issued at least 7,216 citations for illegal racing in 2001, and officers say that the problem has worsened considerably in recent years.
Mr. Cunningham and other Orlando personal injury lawyers strongly urge everyone to avoid participating in and watching street races. Drivers regularly lose control of their cars and motorcycles, and, in most cases, it is the spectators or drivers and passengers on nearby roadways who are severely injured and killed. If you have been injured by the reckless actions of a street racer and want to learn more about Florida laws, your rights and your options to seek damages against those responsible for causing the accident, call 800-425-2004 today. Mr. Cunningham has law offices conveniently located throughout Florida where he can meet with you for a free consultation, answer your questions and explain your legal options.
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.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.