Those in Florida and elsewhere who choose to drink and drive put themselves and everyone else on the road in jeopardy. Nowhere is this more evident than in a recent crash that occurred in Hillsborough County. Now, one family is dealing with the loss of a loved one, and a man will likely face harsh consequences after being charged with DUI manslaughter following the wreck.
Accident details
Early in the morning of Sunday, Jan. 9, a 39-year-old man was driving his pickup along SR-60 when he ran a stop light and collided with another pickup truck that was traversing the intersection at US-301. The first pickup then spun through the intersection and hit other vehicles, an SUV as well as a sedan, both of which were stopped at the light. The second pickup, the one the man initially hit, also spun through the intersection and collided with a utility pole.
The 44-year-old man driving the second pickup was killed in the accident. The driver of the SUV and occupants of the sedan suffered only minor injuries. No word was given as to whether the man believed to have been at fault suffered injuries. He was later arrested and booked on a charge of DUI manslaughter.
Legal recourse for victims
The surviving loved ones of the 44-year-old man who passed away reserve the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the alleged at-fault driver in attempt to recover damages for medical bills, funeral costs and other financial losses. Likewise, those injured in the crash can pursue personal injury claims. Since the alleged at-fault driver was charged with DUI manslaughter, evidence from the criminal proceeding may be offered at any related civil trial to help establish negligence. Affected parties will want to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in Florida to help them pursue recovery of the maximum amount of compensation they deserve.
