Passenger Killed When Truck Veers Off Interstate 95

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 6, 2018

An 81-year-old female and her small dog were killed in an automobile accident near Orlando, Florida on Monday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident happened in Volusia County on Interstate 95. A 2008 Chevy pickup truck, driven by a 77-year-old male, was traveling north near Oak Hill when it suddenly veered off the road and struck a nearby tree.

All the passengers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. The driver was taken to nearby Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment, while the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

As the driver and the passenger in the case at hand had different last names, let’s assume they were not married. For simplicity, let’s also say that the passenger wasn’t killed but was injured. In such a scenario, then the injured passenger would likely be able to sue the driver for her injuries. This is because a passenger who is injured in a car accident has the legal right to file a Florida personal injury claim against any driver whose negligence played a part in causing the crash and thus their injuries.

In the case at hand, that would be the 77-year-old male driver. Here the facts say he suddenly veered off the road and crashed into a tree. This could have been caused by falling asleep or driving while distracted – either of which would be considered negligent. Perhaps he had a known medical condition that should have prevented him from driving. This too could be considered an act of negligence. As a result, the injured passenger would be able to seek compensation for her injuries. (Even deceased, this right to seek compensation could pass to any surviving family members who had depended on her for support via what is known as the Florida Wrongful Death Statute).

If you were a passenger during an Orlando motor vehicle accident, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries. To ensure you get the compensation you deserve, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today.

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.