Hit and Run Suspect’s Traffic Records Reveal Several Incidents

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on November 14, 2014

The driver of the vehicle that fatally injured an Orlando bicyclist early Sunday evening has more than 20 traffic violations over the past few years according to court records. Adriana Velasquez is accused of striking and killing Steven Michael Williams II with her SUV while he was riding his bike on the street next to the curb. Velasquez is also charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Eye witnesses told police that Ms. Velasquez sped off after striking Williams, who was injured and on the side of the road.

These charges are just the latest in a long list of traffic incidents on Velasquez’s record which also includes driving under the influence. She has two separate infractions for reckless driving and three violations for speeding. This is also not the first time she has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, as that is on her record as well.

Unfortunately for the general public, these incidents are all too common in Florida and across the United States. There are many individuals on Florida’s roads who continually choose to ignore traffic laws and endanger the safety of other motorists. According to the Florida Highway Patrol’s website, there were 14,722 criminal traffic violations in 2013. Almost 38% of these violations are attributed to DUI, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Of these infractions, a significant number are committed by repeat offenders, and those who have had their license suspended or even revoked.

Clearly, the consequences associated with breaking the law are not enough of a deterrent to keep some drivers from engaging in willfully unsafe driving behaviors. These dangerous drivers are responsible for hundreds of accidents on Florida’s roads every year. All too often these accidents involve or injure other innocent motorists. For innocent victims, the pain and suffering coupled with the financial loss can be overwhelming and devastating.

Contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham 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.