The negligent acts of one driver can be dangerous for others and can also lead to injuries and even deaths. A recent Florida car crash claimed the lives of a couple in St. Petersburg. Preliminary reports suggest that the other driver was under the influence.
The accident happened on Thanksgiving night when the couple was on their way home from a friend’s house. Upon a preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the crash was caused when a driver of an SUV collided with a vehicle and fled. Afterward, he crashed into the couple’s vehicle. It was reported that the driver was moving in excess of 100 mph.
Police say that the other driver’s blood alcohol content was double the legal limit. He was charged with DUI manslaughter and other charges. The deceased victims, ages 64 and 53, were originally from Pittsburgh and had lived in Florida for about 12 years.
The surviving family is left with the devastating effects of losing their loves ones in a car crash. This is especially tragic since the deaths were directly attributable to the actions of an alleged drunk driver. Not only is the other driver faced with criminal charges in Florida, but he may also be faced with civil action as well. The family may pursue wrongful death claims in an attempt to recover monetary damages as a result of this horrific collision. While litigation will not undo what has already taken place, the family may ultimately feel some sense of justice in seeking to establish financial liability on the part of the driver blamed for the deaths of their loved ones.
Source: CBS Pittsburgh, “Pittsburgh Couple Killed In High-Speed Crash In Fla.“, Nov. 29, 2014