Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
Five students were hit by a 48-year-old former law enforcement officer Thursday afternoon. Officials believe the man was drunk at the time of the accident.
A 13-year-old boy died from his injuries received in the crash Friday morning.
The students were hit by the man after they had gotten off the bus, officials said.
The crash occurred around 5 p.m. on Allegheny road near Athabasca in Poinciana.
Two of the children suffered serious, life-threatening injuries, including spinal injuries, facial fractures, and head trauma.
Officials said the man fled the scene after hitting the kids and ended up hitting a stopped car on Poinciana Parkway.
The man was charged with two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, two counts leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, two counts leaving the scene of a crash with bodily injury, three counts DUI with injury and property damage and reckless driving.
The man apparently blew a .14 on a breath test, which is over the legal limit, seven hours after the crash.
If someone you love has been injured due to a drunk driving accident, you have rights and can receive compensation. Florida does not take drunk driving lightly and there are significant consequences for anyone who drives under the influence. You may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, property damage and even punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the driver who chose to get behind the wheel of a car drunk.
It vital that you get legal help to begin investigating your accident as soon as possible. The preservation of certain evidence can be key in making a claim for personal injury or wrongful death.
Our Tampa Bay Auto Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help make sure your rights are protected. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.