Drunk Driver Runs Red Light, Leaves One Dead in Brandon, Florida

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 4, 2017

A crash between two cars along Highway 60 left one dead and the highway closed for hours. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 28 year old driver of Brandon, Florida was traveling westbound on Adamo Drive/Highway 60 near the intersection with Falkenburg Road. Upon reaching the intersection the vehicle failed to stop at a red light, causing his car to slam into the side of a car by a 25 year old Tampa native.

Police reports state that the 25 year old was pronounced dead at the scene. The 28 year old driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment of what is listed as serious injuries. A third vehicle was also hit by flying debris, although nobody in that car was injured.

Although investigations continue, alcohol is thought to be a contributing factor to the cause of the accident.

In the case at hand, because the 25 year old was killed as a result of the criminal actions of the 28 year old driver, their surviving family could seek legal compensation in accordance with the Florida wrongful death law. According to Florida law, this right to seek compensation is limited to a family member, which is typically defined as a surviving spouse/or child. However, in some circumstances, such as in the case here where the victim is a young adult, this definition can be extended to include surviving parents and siblings (Learn More: Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?).

Usually such an extension will be granted by the court if the surviving family members can demonstrate that they were in some way dependent on the deceased and, as a result of the death, have suffered a loss.   

If such a loss can be demonstrated, then one can seek compensation for such damages as:

• Property damage
• Physical disability
• Pain and suffering
• Past lost wages
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of future income
• Loss of services
• Loss of companionship

If you or a loved one have lost a family member due to the negligent, criminal or reckless behavior of another, then you may have the legal right to seek compensation. To learn more about how the Florida wrongful death law could apply to your particular circumstances, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today and schedule your 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.