A nearly head-on collision caused by a drunk driver traveling the wrong way on S.R. 528 has claimed the life of an Orlando man and injured his son. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 45-year-old victim and his 17-year-old son were traveling west on S.R.528 shortly after 10:00 p.m. on October 1 when a sport utility vehicle traveling in the wrong direction came straight at them. FHP troopers said the Ford explorer driven by the 42-year-old drunk driver was heading east in the westbound lanes when it struck the left front of the victim’s car. The collision forced the victim’s car to the shoulder of S.R. 528 where it spun and struck a palm tree.
The victim was pronounced dead at the accident scene. His son was taken to an area hospital for treatment for minor injuries. FHP troopers report that the drunk driver fled the accident scene but was later taken into custody and faces charges of DUI, manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, vehicular homicide and driving the wrong way on a roadway.
Given the amount of high-profile public safety campaigns against drunk driving, increased criminal penalties, occasional roadblocks, extensive coverage of drunk driving accidents in local media outlets and other deterrents in place to combat drunk driving, you may be pleased to learn that the problem is getting better. Indeed, from 1,106 people killed in Florida drunk driving accidents in 2005, the number is down sharply to 770 people killed by drunk drivers in 2009. Still, 770 lives lost due to drivers who recklessly and negligently endanger the lives of everyone else on the road because they choose to drink and drive is completely unacceptable. When that many people killed by drunk drivers is an improvement over previous years, it is clear that our state has a serious drunk driving problem.
If you or a close family member has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver and you need effective and experienced legal representation, call Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham today. He has dedicated his law practice to helping injured people since 1977 and has a proven record of success helping clients receive the best possible outcome for their cases. Call 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation, and get his skills and experience on your side!
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.
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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