Broward County Family Seeks Answers in DUI Crash That Killed Their Loved One

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on June 10, 2021

For over a year, one loving and tight-knit Davie family has been mourning the loss of their doting & dedicated patriarch 45-year-old Joseph Nichols after he was struck and killed by a drunk driver last January. Now, after waiting months upon months for a small sliver of justice, they are finally seeing that small light at the end of the tunnel as the DUI suspect had his day in court on June 7^th, 2021.

According to Broward County court documents, 27-year-old Pedro Moss was arrested in early January 2020 for his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident that claimed the life of 45-year-old Joseph Nichols – a husband, father of four, and soon-to-be first-time grandfather. This past Monday, Moss appeared in court to face a litany of felonious charges in regards to the DUI crash and subsequent death of Mr. Nichols, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, excessive speed, and multiple charges related to DUI manslaughter.

Affidavits from local law enforcement officials who were working on the night in question last January indicate that after Pedro Moss spent an undetermined amount of time drinking alcohol at the GhostBar on South State Road 7 in Davie, he left the popular hangout in a white 2018 BMW X2 travelling towards the intersection of Griffin Road and State Road 7 at a high rate of speed. At this same time, which was close to midnight, Joseph Nichols was attempting to cross the road as a pedestrian in the same area when the luxury SUV seemingly appeared out of nowhere and struck the now deceased victim.

Arrest records go on to say that Hollywood Rescue emergency responders overheard Moss say “Ya’ll chill, I’m just intoxicated,” as they were attempting to remove him from his vehicle. Mr. Moss was then transported to a local hospital where his blood alcohol level was tested and recorded at 0.244 – over three times the legal limit to operate a vehicle in Florida.

Data retrieved from the BMW’s electronic computer system registered speeds of 108 and 117 MPH only 3-5 seconds before the fatal collision occurred.

A GoFundMe campaign is currently underway for anyone who would like to help the Nichols family.

Sources:

• ‘Chill, I’m just intoxicated:’ Florida DUI suspect says after hitting, killing pedestrian, police say

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.