Earlier this month, prosecutors filed criminal charges against two men for their roles in a December 2022 DUI accident that claimed three lives. According to a recent news report, the accident occurred when a Toyota Tacoma began driving west in the eastbound lanes of Route 44 near DeLand, Florida. As the Toyota was driving the wrong way, it collided with an Infiniti. The driver of the Infiniti lost control of the vehicle, which spun out into a nearby median. As a result of the head-on collision, three people died.
The driver of the Toyota fled the scene, leaving behind an injured passenger. Police spoke with the passenger, but she was initially reluctant to identify the driver. Subsequent investigation revealed that the driver of the Toyota was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Prosecutors are charging him with leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, three counts of leaving the scene of a crash with death, three counts of vehicular homicide and reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.
The driver of the Infiniti, who remained at the scene, was also intoxicated. Through its investigation, law enforcement determined that the Infiniti was traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour in the moments before the crash. This prompted prosecutors to charge the driver with reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury as well as three counts of vehicular homicide.
How Can Grieving Families Get Justice After a Florida DUI Accident?
Drunk driving claims more than 10,000 lives per year across the United States. However, these tragic and preventable accidents impact countless lives. Families are forever impacted by the premature loss of a loved one. However, families who lost a loved one in a Florida DUI car accident may be able to pursue a claim for financial compensation against the drunk driver. Of course, these cases are not only about money but also about seeking justice and holding the negligent driver who was responsible for the accident accountable for their actions.
How Long Do You Have to File a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Florida law, all wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date that the accident victim died. Notably, this may be later than the date of the accident if the victim initially survived the collision but later succumbed to their injuries. A family’s failure to file a timely wrongful death claim will likely result in the court dismissing the case, leaving the family with no way to recover for their loss. Thus, it is imperative for grieving families to consult with an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney as soon as they can.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
If you recently suffered through the tragic loss of a loved one, the car accident lawyers at the Blakeley Law Firm, P.A., are here to help. Attorney Jarret Blakeley and his team of Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers provide families with compassionate yet aggressive representation designed to ensure the person responsible for their loved one’s death is held accountable. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and will not send you a bill unless we can win your case. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 800-602-5000. You can also reach us through our online contact form.