People from all over the world come to Florida to visit the state’s attractions and sites. One popular tourist destination is the Florida Keys, and the only access to the islands by car is through the Overseas Highway. Sadly, a drunk driver is said to have caused an accident on the Seven Mile Bridge that claimed the life of one woman and injured several other members of her family.
Accident details
Sometime early in the morning of Monday, July 18, a family was returning from the Florida Keys, and they had split up their party into two vehicles: a Volkswagen and a Jeep. At the same time, a 43-year-old man driving a Maserati sports car was heading north along the same highway, heading back to the mainland. Allegedly intoxicated from alcohol, he tried to pass the Volkswagen but struck the rear of the car instead.
The collision caused the Volkswagen to spin and end up facing south. An 85-year-old woman in the VW was killed, and several others in the car were injured, including a 15-year-old girl. The Maserati caught fire after striking a concrete barrier, but the driver walked away unscathed. He was eventually arrested on charges involving negligent manslaughter and seven counts of felony drunk driving. He is being held without bond in Monroe County.
Right to compensation
As is their right, the injured victims and surviving family of the deceased woman can pursue civil claims against the driver to pursue recovery of monetary damages. Although they can bring suit in the absence of criminal charges, they can use evidence of the man’s drunk driving as in their case. All affected parties will want to work closely with an experienced personal injury attorney in Florida to understand their rights and options and increase their chances of obtaining a successful outcome.
