Fatal Collision Near Windermere Intersection

A crash that took place this past Friday is still under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol as they seek to uncover exactly what occurred to cause the death of one 91-year-old woman and the hospitalization of a 55-year-old man. Commenting on the initial findings of the investigation, Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Kim Montes told reporters that the crash occurred close to 9:40 in the morning at the intersection of Westover Roberts Road and Apopka-Vineland Road.

Orlando resident Irene Clark was behind the wheel of her 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser when she approached the intersection. As we reported in an earlier story, many intersections throughout the state lost power to their stoplights as a result of Hurricane Irma, a fact that led to several accidents and at least one fatality. While the initial report from Sgt. Montes did not include a statement on whether or not the Apopka-Vineland Road and Westover Roberts Road stoplight was one of those initially affected by the Irma, it is clear from the statement that the light was in operation at the time of the collision between the two vehicles on Friday.

Irene Clark, according to witnesses, reached the intersection and stopped at the flashing red light. Under normal traffic law, an intersection with one flashing red light and another flashing yellow light indicates the proper way to proceed to all those approaching. Those stopped at the blinking red light must wait until no one is traveling through the blinking yellow, and those approaching the blinking yellow must remain cautious and attentive to those who may be planning on driving through the blinking red.

At the same time as Irene Clark decided to resume driving through the intersection, Adrian Gonzalez, driving a Chrysler 300, approached the blinking yellow light facing the southbound lane of Apopka-Vineland Road. As Clark attempted to make a left-hand turn in order to merge with the northbound lanes of Apopka-Vineland Road, Gonzalez collided with the left side of Clark’s Cruiser.

It is not known whether or not Clark was declared dead at the scene or if she was first transported to a hospital, however it is known that she died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the incident. Gonzalez, for his part, is believed to have suffered only minor injuries.

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.