Tragedy struck on the I-75 this past weekend as a Ford Expedition veered off the road, became airborne, and rolled over. Three adults were in the vehicle with nine children, all of which were not wearing seat belts. There are have been ten instances of injury and one death: a two-year-old passenger sustained fatal injuries.
Authorities have now charged the driver with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious injury, and nine separate counts of DUI injury. The incident occurred 4:55 p.m. at the 233 mile marker. Law enforcement has confirmed that the vehicle hit several trees before coming to a rest.
Specific details have yet to be released, but one thing is clear: significant negligence was displayed in this incident, not just by the intoxicated driver, but by the adults in the vehicle who did not secure the child properly in vehicle. Under these circumstances, families could consider civil action against the adults in this vehicle trusted to look after their children, even with the criminal DUI charges pending against the driver.
Florida to Focus on Seat Belt Infractions
The crash comes just one day before Florida's first "Click it or Ticket" campaign aimed at spreading awareness of seat belt safety and focusing more on safety belt citations by law enforcement. Ultimately, however, it is up to all drivers and responsible passengers to help protect themselves and others while on the road. The statewide "Click it or Ticket" campaign will run from March 2nd through March 13th.
If you or a loved one have been hurt due to the negligence of another driver, then you do not have to rely on the judicial system for justice. Call us at Smith & Stallworth, Attorneys at Law today to speak with an experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyer. Contact us to schedule a free initial case evaluation.