Woman Kills Infant in Orlando DUI Accident

Sometimes, accidents happen. They are tragic but can often be just a bad case of circumstances, like somebody doesn’t see another vehicle and turns into it. An accident in Orlando, however, just causes anyone to shake their heads.

On February 28^th, Shameka L. Jones, 24, of Winter Park, FL, was driving on Interstate 75 in Manatee County around 5 p.m. She lost control of a 2001 Ford Expedition and drove the vehicle off the right side of the road. The SUV went airborne and flipped multiple times before striking a tree.

Besides Shameka, the vehicle had two other adults and nine children. None of the children were in car seats or wearing restraints of any kind. Isaac Solomon, 2, of Winter Haven, died at Bayfront Medical Center. Another child, Issah Solomon, six months, of Winter Haven, suffered serious injuries and was being treated at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. It’s unclear if the passengers were ejected from the vehicle or suffered injuries inside the vehicle when it rolled. The seven other children were treated for minor injuries.

Two adult passengers in the vehicle also received significant injuries in the accident. Both were transported to Bayfront Medical Center and were being treated. One of the passengers was wearing a seatbelt. Law enforcement officials are unsure if the other passenger was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

The driver was also seriously injured in the accident and was transported to Bayfront Medical Center. Law enforcement officials say alcohol was a factor in the accident. Shameka was charged with DUI manslaughter, nine counts of DUI injury and one count of DUI causing serious injury. The exact level of blood alcohol at the time of the accident is unknown, but a blood sample was taken. It will be analyzed and used as evidence in the case.

DUI causing serious injury is defined as an injury that “consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.” If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident or by a drunk driver, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 888-FLA-AUTO (888-352-2886) for a 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.