• 07
  • July
    2011

The summer driving season is underway with millions of motorists taking to the highways to enjoy vacations. With more cars on the road, the risk of fatal accidents increases. Several recent crashes highlight this trend. In early June, two people died in an accident when their vehicles collided in a busy intersection in St. Petersburg. Just outside Jacksonville, a sport-utility vehicle crossed over the median on Interstate 10 and struck another car, killing the driver. Famed pro wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage was killed when his Jeep Wrangler crossed a concrete median and collided with a tree.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2,558 fatalities occurred on Florida roads in 2009. More than half of all fatal accidents occurred in urban areas. Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough and Orange counties saw the most accidents. While the statistics indicate an overall decline in the number of fatal accidents, more than a third of such accidents involved blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .08 and above. This follows the conventional wisdom that some type of negligence, whether it is through distracted driving or alcohol impairment, plays a part in every accident.

For those who have had loved ones killed in car accidents, the Florida Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to recover money damages for deaths caused by negligent acts. Damages may be awarded based on future lost wages and loss of support and services, based on the decedent's age and earning capacity. Minor children may recover for lost parental companionship and mental anguish. Petitioning family members may also be compensated for medical expenses stemming from the accident as well as funeral expenses.

If you have questions about wrongful death lawsuits, an experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights and options.