21-year-Old National Guardsman Killed By Red Light Runner
A 21-year-old man who just came back from a tour with the National Guard was recently killed in Jacksonville after a man driving a Ford Mustang allegedly ran a red light. The victim was delivering pizza just after midnight when his vehicle was struck while trying to make a left turn onto Kernan Boulevard from Beach Boulevard.
The Mustang’s driver and two passengers were also injured in the accident. The driver was transported to an area hospital and his passengers suffered minor injuries. The victim died shortly after arriving at UF Health Jacksonville.
Family and friends of the young victim remember hims as a kind and caring person who loved his country and was proud to serve in the National Guard. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and loved ones.
Police suspect intoxication
Florida Highway Patrol will review tape from a red light camera at the intersection where the accident took place. One trooper interview hinted it was unlikely the light was still yellow when the Mustang’s driver went through the intersection. Several witnesses claim to have seen the red Mustang run through the traffic signal several seconds after the light turned red.
Troopers also suspect the at-fault driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. A toxicology test was ordered to determine whether or not intoxicating substances played a role in the accident.
Authorities will also attempt to ascertain the speed of the Mustang when it passed through the intersection as well as examine road conditions at the time of the accident. Depending on the complexities of the investigation, this process could take weeks or even months.
Suing at-fault drivers in Florida
Florida utilizes a no-fault car insurance system. This means that when someone gets into an accident, their own car insurance pays for hospital bills, car repairs, and other damages. Victims may only sue the other driver if the victim sustained a visible scar or suffered a permanent disability.
Filing claims against an at-fault driver’s insurance company can be a difficult process. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to skirt their responsibility to pay compensation to victims. Often times, wrongdoers may even allege the victim was responsible for his or her own injuries in an attempt to block duly owed compensation.
Jacksonville car accident lawyers
The Jacksonville auto accident lawyers of The Pendas Law Firm understand the challenges auto accident victims and their families may face following a car crash. Our lawyer represent clients with dignity and respect while we fight hard to help make them whole again.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an auto accident, contact us for a consultation about your case. Our seasoned and dedicated lawyers represent clients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Strict time deadlines apply when filing medical malpractice lawsuits so contact our office at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.
