Florida has more than its share of tourist destinations. Along with its many theme parks, the state also has natural attractions, including the Florida Keys. Tragically, a family’s life has forever changed after losing a loved one in a car crash along the Seven Mile Bridge.
Details regarding the accident
Early on Monday morning, July 18, three vehicles were headed back to the mainland from the Keys. Two vehicles, a Volkswagen and Jeep, contained members of the same family, and the other vehicle was a Maserati coupe driven by a 43-year-old man. The Maserati driver, reportedly driving aggressively and erratically, tried to pass the Volkswagen but struck the rear of the car instead.
The impact killed an 85-year-old woman inside the Volkswagen and seriously injured a 15-year-old girl and at least six others. The Maserati caught fire after striking a concrete barrier, but the driver, who was also apparently intoxicated, walked away unharmed. He was arrested with a blood-alcohol content of .17, and he faces charges including negligent manslaughter and felony drunk driving.
Seeking compensation
Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances but losing a loved one due to the reckless and unlawful actions of someone else only adds to the tragedy. Although the injured victims and surviving family of the deceased woman can pursue civil claims against the driver for their injuries and losses without any criminal component to their cases, they may use evidence of the man’s conviction on drunk driving charges to establish negligence per se in civil court. An experienced personal injury attorney in Florida can explain their rights and options and help them pursue recovery of the maximum amount of compensation available.