One Dead in Fiery Tampa Car Crash

A fatal crash on the east side of Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa, Florida last week blocked traffic both direction for hours. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the rush hour car accident took place in the southbound lanes near the Kennedy Boulevard exit.

The crash involved a 2008 Kia Spectra sedan, which, for unknown reasons, was driving down the inside lane when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The driver then drove the Kia into the inside shoulder, at which point it struck a concrete barrier in the center. The impact with the concrete barrier caused the car to flip several times, before finally landing on top of the barrier, at which point it ignited into a fiery blaze.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol’s accident report, the 69 year old male driver from Jacksonville, Florida, died at the scene. He was wearing his seatbelt.

The car crash left two lanes blocked in both directions for hours as emergency first responders worked the scene. As authorities advised rush hour drivers to take alternative routes, such as the Gandy Bridge, those roads soon became blocked with traffic, which then spilled onto additional roadways, such as the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. Authorities officially reopened Interstate 275 at 8:30 pm.

Considering how dangerous it is to drive on the inside lane, and that this happened during rush hour, when the roads are packed with anxious and often impatient drivers, it is lucky that others weren’t hurt in this crash. If the car flipped the other way it could have easily landed directly in traffic, injuring – if not killing – other innocent motorists. In such a case, those injured by the driver of the Kia Spectra would have the legal right to seek compensation for their injuries. To do this, they would have to file a lawsuit claiming that the driver’s negligent action (i.e., driving on the inside lane) caused their injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a Florida motor vehicle accident, you have the right to be compensated for your loss. To learn more, contact James O. Cunningham today and schedule your free initial consultation.

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.