Two College Students Killed in Car Accident Fleeing from Deputy

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 26, 2009

A recent article published in the Gainesville Sun reports that two Santa Fe College students were killed in a car accident early in the morning of September 27, 2009 when they rolled their vehicle while fleeing from a Marion County Sheriff’s deputy. Accident investigators say the single-car accident occurred at the intersection of County Road 329 west of NE 30th Court in North Marion County. The 18-year-old driver of a black 1999 Chevrolet Camaro and his 18-year-old passenger were reportedly traveling eastbound on CR 329 at a very high rate of speed around 1 a.m.

The driver lost control of his vehicle as he approached slower traffic, veered onto the road’s shoulder where the Camaro hit a utility pole and several trees, overturned and traveled more than 250 feet before coming to a rest. Neither teen was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and were ejected from the car. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

A representative for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said, “They ripped through trees and bushes. The Camaro was rolling, tumbling 250 feet, and one of the tires flung off at least another 50 yards or so.”

The pursuit began when a sheriff’s deputy saw the teens driving recklessly. Another deputy saw the Camaro and pursued it with his lights and siren on, but reported that the car got so far ahead that he lost sight of it until he came upon the scene of the accident.

Florida reckless driving accidents almost always end in tragedy as a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds going at a high rate of speed is difficult to control and even more difficult to stop. In many cases, drivers attempting to flee and elude law enforcement officials cause the deaths and injuries of other people who are unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In such cases, these injured parties may need the counsel of an experienced Orlando car accident attorney like James O. Cunningham.

Since 1977, Orlando auto accident lawyer James O. Cunningham has been helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve to help with the many expenses of recovery and lost wages. Call the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham today to schedule a free consultation if you or someone you care for has been injured by the negligence of others in a Central Florida car accident.

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.