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November 6, 2012

A 39-year-old Sanford man has been charged with DUI manslaughter and other charges in connection with a fatal auto accident in March 2012. Tests confirmed that the man was under the influence of drugs when he caused the fatal Lake County auto accident that claimed the life of a three-year-old girl. Toxicology tests revealed that the man was under the influence of Xanax and Oxycodone on March 13 at levels that impaired his ability to operate his vehicle.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers report that the man was driving northbound on County Road 437 near State Road 44 when he veered into the southbound lanes and struck a Jeep, injuring the driver. He then collided with a Chrysler PT Cruiser carrying the victim and her mother, killing the girl and seriously injuring her mother. After troopers arrived at the accident scene, they noticed that the suspect was sleepy, dazed and acting lethargic, which led them to believe that he was under the influence of drugs. They took a blood sample, and the tests confirmed their suspicions of impairment. The man was then taken into custody. In addition to DUI manslaughter charges, the man also faces charges of DUI causing bodily injury, DUI causing property damage and reckless driving.

It’s no secret that our state has a serious prescription drug abuse problem. Legislators have recently passed several laws, which make it harder for people to “shop” for doctors who write prescriptions for OxyContin, Xanax and other painkillers in an effort to reduce Florida’s reputation as a “pill mill.” The people who abuse prescription medication and then get behind the wheel can be held liable for the damages they cause just like drunk drivers.

If you or a family member have been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver and want to speak with an Orlando drugged driving accident lawyer, call James O. Cunningham today at 800-425-2004. Mr. Cunningham has a proven record of success helping clients receive compensation from impaired drivers and their insurance companies, and he may be able to help you as well. Before you sign anything offered by the at-fault driver’s insurer, make sure to contact experienced Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham to protect your right to seek damages. He has law offices conveniently located throughout Central Florida, where he can meet with you to discuss your case. Call 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.

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We have 15 convenient office locations around Central Florida to better serve our auto accident clients.

15 Florida Locations

Orange County:
Orlando, FL

500 Delaney Avenue #404
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-425-2000

Seminole County:
Lake Mary, FL

300 International Parkway #100
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-487-4408

Osceola County:
Kissimmee, FL

17 S. Orlando Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-966-4408

Volusia County:
Daytona Beach, FL

1301 Beville Rd., Suite 8
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
Phone: 386-243-4994

Volusia County:
DeBary, FL

465 Summerhaven Drive, Suite C
DeBary, FL 32713
Phone: 386-320-3911

Volusia County:
Deland, FL

120 South Woodland Blvd.
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: 386-206-1264

Citrus County:
Inverness, FL

110 North Apopka Ave.
Inverness, FL 34453
Phone: 352-205-4341

Polk County:
Lakeland, FL

1102 S. Florida Ave., Suite 104
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-968-7551

Polk County:
Winter Haven, FL

325 Avenue A, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-968-7173

Hillsborough County:
Tampa, FL

100 S. Edison St. Suite D
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-355-9772

Marion-Sumter Counties:
The Villages, FL

3420 U.S. Hwy. 27/441
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: 352-419-0825

Lake County:
Mt. Dora, FL

Mt. Dora, FL
Phone: 352-436-4696

Lake County:
Clermont, FL

3721 S Hwy 27, Suite A
Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: 352-503-4674

Brevard County:
Titusville, FL

506 S. Palm Ave.
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-222-7300

Brevard County:
Cocoa, FL

96 Willard Street, Suite 206
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-757-1373

Client Reviews

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  • I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver ran a red light and my car was a total loss. I was referred to James Cunningham due to the fact that our attorney’s have been very impressed with James Cunningham’s work. This fact turned out to be very true… A Personal Injury Client
  • My car accident case was handled by Mr Cunningham and I was very pleased with how everything was done. He handles his own cases and his staff is top notch. He got me a very nice settlement without going to court. Derek
  • We contacted Jim Cunningham to help guide us through the "maize" of possible outcomes in settling with insurance companies, medical bills, and even police investigation with the accident. David
  • Cunningham worked hard was professional, supportive, diligent and always maintained contact. I am very satisfied with the service that him and his team provided. Mr Cunningham is a lawyer that will work for you. Dezhaun
  • I consulted with several attorneys, but as soon as I met James Cunningham, I knew he was the right attorney for me. He immediately expressed concern for my well-being, and his compassionate, professional manner put me at ease. Diane