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April 9, 2017

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 the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. 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.

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If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, call toll-free at 1-888-FLA-Auto (1-888-352-2886).

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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