The slightest distraction or lapse of attention while driving on the busy Florida highways can lead to tragic accidents in the blink of an eye. This was underscored by a recent three-vehicle crash that claimed one life and caused personal injury to two others. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred in Pasco County on a recent Wednesday afternoon.
An accident report indicates that a 30-year-old Spring Hill resident was traveling north on U.S. 19 in a sedan, and a 22-year-old Weeki Wachee man in a pickup truck was driving in the adjacent lane. For an unknown reason, the woman’s car veered into the next lane, striking the truck. That driver stopped, but the woman’s car careened across the median and entered the lanes of the southbound traffic.
Reportedly, a southbound SUV driven by a 32-year-old Hudson resident then crashed into that car, with both coming to a halt in the center lane. The driver who lost control and crossed over was rushed to a hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities reported that nobody in the pickup truck suffered injuries, but the SUV driver and a 30-year-old passenger were both hospitalized with injuries of a serious nature.
When the negligence of one driver causes an accident that injures others, the victims are typically entitled to pursue financial relief through the Florida civil justice system. They would file personal injury claims against that driver. However, if the crash causes the death of the negligent driver, his or her estate can be named as the defendant. This field of the law could be tricky and might be best navigated with the support and guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.