Woman Charged in Fatal Orlando Drunk Driving Accident
Despite the best efforts of several concerned citizens, a 42-year Orlando businessman died in a drunk driving accident. The accident took place in 2013, but the woman who caused the accident was only charged April 14th of this year.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Vinh T. Vo was driving a 2009 Toyota Sienna on Lake Pickett Road in east Orange County, near South Tanner Road, on May 18, 2013. At the same time, around 5:30 a.m., 24-year-old Dana McKinnon, of Oviedo, Fla., was driving in the opposite direction on Lake Pickett Road in a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. While navigating a slight curve in the road, McKinnon lost control of her vehicle. Her vehicle crossed centerline, and slammed head on into Vo.
Shortly after the accident, a couple, whose name was not released to the public, was driving along the road. They had planned a morning drive to a park, where they wanted to do some bird watching. The couple came upon the accident and saw that Vo had suffered significant injuries. They tried to pull him from the vehicle, but it was crushed, and they could not free him. The couple called 911, trying to find a way to help Vo.
Nine minutes after a call was placed to 911, emergency responders arrived. They were able to free Vo, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. McKinnon’s vehicle was also significantly damaged in the accident and first responders pulled her from the vehicle. She was rushed to an area hospital and a toxicology test was taken.
McKinnon had her whole life ahead of her. She was a college student at the University of Central Florida and was close to graduating. She suffered significant injuries in the accident, and it took her months to recover. At the same time, she has to live with killing someone while under the influence of alcohol.
The toxicology test revealed that her blood alcohol level was 0.163%, higher than the legal limit of 0.08%. She was charged with vehicular homicide and manslaughter while driving under the influence. She turned herself into the Orange County Jail. Investigators say it took two years to conduct a thorough investigation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida automobile accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 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.