A woman who was so intoxicated that she failed to realize that she had struck and run over her boyfriend has been sentenced to spend the next seven years in state prison. The 26-year-old Orlando woman was driving her SUV early on the morning of June 16 when she struck and killed her 20-year-old boyfriend. The driver pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter charges and must serve eight years of probation after her release. She must also perform community service, which will include talking to schoolchildren about the dangers of drinking and driving. Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham has been following developments in this case very closely and urges his readers to take a cab or arrange to have a designated driver when going out drinking with friends.
The couple had been drinking for a couple of hours at The Hideaway Bar in Orlando and was on the way home a little before 3 a.m. on the morning of the accident. The victim was riding his motorcycle in front of his girlfriend’s SUV when she struck and ran him over on Lakemont Avenue. Orlando Police accident investigators said that the victim was so inebriated that after striking and killing the victim, she drove for two more blocks before she realized he was no longer riding in front of her. Her blood-alcohol level was 0.243, or more than three times the legal limit of 0.08.
Anti-drunk driving organizations and police departments estimate that drunk drivers get behind the wheel while intoxicated an average of 80 times before they are arrested for DUI. As you know, drunk driving is a persistent problem here in Florida, and our state ranks in the top five states in the country for auto accidents caused by intoxicated drivers.
If you or a member of your immediate family has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to seek damages against that driver to help pay medical bills, replace lost income while you recovered from your injuries and compensate you for pain and suffering and other damages. If you want to learn more about your rights and legal options, call 386-243-4994 today to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Cunningham. He has been helping injured people since 1977 and gives each client and case the individual attention they deserve. 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.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, call at (386) 243-4994.
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- Rear End Car Accident:
$3.75 Million Recovery - Semi-Truck Accident:
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$1.2 Million Wrongful Death Recovery - Rear End Bus Accident:
$775,000.00 Recovery - Truck Collides with Cow:
$500,000.00 Recovery