Earlier this week, two young teens were killed as they tried to help a friend push her disabled vehicle to safety on Pembroke Road in Miramar. According to one local news source, the two teens had been dating for a year and had recently discussed plans to get married.
Evidently, the fatal accident took place at around one in the morning near the west side of Interstate 75. Apparently, the two teens received a call from a friend whose SUV had broken down on the highway. Along with several others, the two teens helped push the disabled vehicle about 20 blocks before it was struck on the driver’s rear side by a passing vehicle.
The driver of that vehicle told police that she could not see the SUV until she was right behind it. Evidence from the accident scene suggests that the driver swerved in a last-minute attempt to avoid the collision. There are contradicting reports as to whether the SUV’s lights were on immediately prior to the accident. The teens pushing the vehicle claim the lights were on, and the woman who struck the vehicle claims they were not on. She also suggested that if they were on, perhaps the bodies of the teens pushing the vehicle covered them up. The road is otherwise dark and not lit with streetlights in that area.
Determining Liability in Florida Auto Accidents
The above accident aptly illustrates how determining fault in a Florida personal injury case is not always cut and dry. For example, if the SUV’s headlights were on at the time of the collision, it leaves little excuse for why the woman collided with the lit vehicle. However, if the SUV’s lights were off or obscured by the bodies of the teens assisting the driver of the disabled vehicle, the case against the driver of the other vehicle becomes much weaker.
These types of slight nuances can make or break a personal injury case. Therefore, it is critical to the success of any case that a dedicated and experienced attorney have a look at the facts of a case prior to proceeding. Once a case is filed and the defendant is on notice that they are facing civil liability, there is not always an opportunity to go back and conduct the necessary research to support the claims. It is therefore advised that an attorney be brought in early in the process to help ensure a well-planned strategy.
Have You Been Injured in a South Florida Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of South Florida car crash or truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages based on the other driver’s negligence. However, establishing the other driver’s fault in the accident will be a critical step towards recovery. Call one of the dedicated Florida personal injury attorneys at Cecere Santana at 800-753-5529 to set up a free consultation today.
See More Blog Posts:
Coral Springs Motorcycle Accident Kills One, Injures Another, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published June 9, 2015.
Two Motorcycle Accidents in Palm Beach County Leaves One Man Dead and Another in Serious Condition, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published July 9, 2015.