Tampa Crash Kills 14 Year Old Boy

Late last month, an Orlando family minivan was struck at a Tampa crossing by a reckless driver. The collision would go on injury several family members and kill a 14-year-old male passenger in the van. The son of a pastor, the boy is still being grieved as the family continues tend to other injured loved ones and wait for justice to be served.

The accident occurred January 20th as the family was traveling on Hillsborough Avenue. Returning home from dinner with visiting grandparents, also passengers, their van was hit by a driver who ran a red light and collided with their vehicle. The grandfather's recalls the Honda Odyssey minivan being thrown into a dangerous spin before coming to a stop. By then, it was too late— and his teenage grandson had been killed.

The van was hit by a 28-year-old driver, who was found to have illegal substances in his possession at the time of the crash. Only 10 minutes prior to the collision, Tampa police reported trying to stop the driver for speeding, but, citing department protocol, did not pursue the driver after he sped off. The driver is now being charged with vehicular homicide.

Criminal Charges vs Restitution

In cases of reckless driving that result in a criminal charge, like vehicular homicide, many victims anxiously await to see offenders face trial and penalty. What many of them do not consider is that these offenders are also vulnerable to civil action. The Orlando family in this case, like many who face sudden tragedy, are now faced with mounting funeral and medical bills. In similar circumstances, it may be pertinent to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable Tampa personal injury attorney to explore what your legal options are in seeking restitution.

If you or a loved one have been hurt on the road by a reckless driver, you do not necessarily have to depend on the criminal trial for justice. Call our team at Smith & Stallworth, Attorneys at Law today and schedule a free case evaluation.

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