The Tampa Bay Times reported some very troubling news this week: eight people died in a series of crashes in Polk County during a 44-hour period the Monday and Tuesday following Christmas. There had not been a single traffic fatality over Christmas weekend, and Polk County law enforcement officers were celebrating. However December 27th and 28th, were another story when eight people were killed in less than two days. Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the deaths, saying “this is the craziest we’ve seen it in a long time.”
A crash on Monday devastatingly resulted in four fatalities: a driver speeding away from deputies near Poinciana struck a Ford F-150, a Toyota Tacoma, and a Ford Escape. The driver fleeing law enforcement was ejected and died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Tacoma and two people in the Escape did not survive.
Also on Monday, a 45-year-old woman was killed when her vehicle clipped the rear of another vehicle, causing her to lose control. She was ejected when she lost control of her vehicle. Another crash victim was an Auburndale man riding a bicycle that was struck by a vehicle on Monday night.
On Tuesday, a man riding a three-wheel motorcycle was struck by a vehicle on US-98, killing the motorcyclist. A second crash on Tuesday night occurred on US-98, when a pickup truck hauling a trailer loaded with roofing materials fishtailed and struck a Wonder Bread truck. The driver of the bread truck was killed and a passenger, the driver’s 18-year-old son, was critically injured. Fox 13 reported that the driver of the pickup truck was charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, DUI with property damage, and resisting an officer.
At the Coleman Law Group, our thoughts go out to all of the victims and their families. Losing a loved one unexpectedly is heartbreaking and devastating. When an accident is caused by a negligent or reckless driver and is completely preventable, it is difficult to comprehend.
Drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may face criminal charges for drunk driving. Additionally, they may be liable for their actions in a civil claim. Victims of car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and motorcycle accidents should talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. In the interest of preserving evidence, victims and their families should not delay in speaking with an attorney.
Liability for Car Accidents
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash in Florida, contact the Coleman Law Group to discuss your legal rights. We offer a free and confidential consultation to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights. Compensation may be available for the wrongful death of loved ones – but it is not automatic. An experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Under our contingency fee arrangement, we are only paid if we recover money for you. This means that there are no out of pocket costs or up front fees. We take on all the risk of your case.
