Three Year Old Left Parentless following Tampa Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 16, 2017

A 35 year old male suspect is in custody after having run away from the scene of a deadly Tampa, Florida car crash that happened Sunday night on North 34th Street and East Lake Avenue. Investigators report that a 2003 Chevy vehicle was traveling east on East Lake Avenue when the suspect’s 2003 Infiniti pulled out and entered at the intersection with North 34th Street, hitting the truck. The force of the collision was so strong that the vehicles ricocheted into a third vehicle that had stopped at 34th Street in order to make a left turn.

There were three people inside the Chevy vehicle. The two adult females, ages 28 and 23, were killed instantly with the impact. A three year old child, the child of the 28 year old victim, survived without injury thanks in large part to being properly restrained in a child safety seat.

The occupants of the third vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

According to police reports, the driver of the Infiniti exited his car and began to run away, although police were able to apprehend him just a short distance from the accident scene. Witnesses say the suspect showed signs of impairment and a lack of speed, likely a result of being injured in the accident. Police records show that the suspect has a long criminal history, including grand theft, possession of illegal substances and driving with a suspended license.

Unfortunately, this child will now grow up parentless. He is currently in the care of his maternal grandparents – which, on top of their grieving, also places a financial burden on them. However, they may be able to find some relief under the Florida wrongful death statute. Although typically limited to benefiting the children and spouses of individuals wrongfully killed in, for example, a Florida automobile accident, in some cases it will be extended to include parents, siblings, etc. In order to get this extension, the one filing the lawsuit has to demonstrate that, as a result of the accident and resulting death, they have received damages. In the case at hand, such damages would be the costs of caring for a three year old grandson.

To learn how Florida’s complex wrongful death statute could affect your case, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today.

• Statute of Limitations for a Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Other Heirs’ Right To File A Wrongful Death Claim
• Who Can File a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?

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.