RSSPolk County Hit and Run Causes Multiple Accidents
It’s never smart to run from a hit and run accident, but things ended badly for a woman in Polk County when she fled the scene of an accident. On November 8, authorities believe Rita Bata Beaulieu was involved in an accident in the westbound lane of Interstate 4 near County Road 557. Beaulieu should have stayed and waited for authorities and filled out an accident report, something that she is required to do under Florida law.
Instead, the 54-year-old fled the scene of the initial accident. Beaulieu drove her Jeep Wrangler across the median and tried to enter the eastbound direction of the freeway. A Mercedes, which was carrying one other adult and three small children – ages one, three and four, struck Beaulieu’s vehicle. The impact caused the Wrangler to become partially airborne and it struck a Chevrolet Silverado, placing tire marks on top of the vehicle.
A Chain Reaction of Chaos
The accident started a chain reaction and several other vehicles were involved, including a truck that was carrying a trailer with two motorcycles. Beaulieu’s vehicle landed on its driver’s side. Beaulieu was wearing a seatbelt, but was ejected from the vehicle because her vehicle was split in half from the multiple collisions.
Beaulieu was pronounced dead at the scene. Most of the other people involved in the accident were treated for minor injuries and released. A woman who saw the accident occur rescued a driver who was critically injured. His leg was pinned into his vehicle, and the leg was bleeding. The woman performed emergency first aide until first responders arrived.
The accident created a major headache for drivers in the area. The accident closed the eastbound and westbound lane of the interstate for several hours as law enforcement and emergency officials responded to scene.
No charges were filed at the time of the accident and it’s unclear if any drugs are alcohol were a factor in the accident.
If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, call us immediately at 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.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.