Multi-Vehicle Crash In West Miami-Dade Kills Department Of Transportation Employee
A Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) employee recently lost her life as she was driving to a press conference regarding a current highway safety issue. Recent news stories have highlighted the efforts being made to improve the safety of the I-95 express lanes by installing sturdier lane division poles; the DOT employee was on her way to the conference regarding this issue when she was involved in a multi-vehicle accident in West Miami-Dade in which an SUV driver allegedly tried to pass a pickup truck and hit the back of the DOT employee’s vehicle. The impact caused the DOT employee’s vehicle to spin off the road, hit an embankment, and flip over. Tragically, the DOT employee died at the accident scene.
Was Someone At Fault?
Though all accidents are certainly tragic, especially when someone has lost a life as a result, not all accidents are the result of fault or negligence. When an accident is the result of someone’s faulty actions or negligence, however, what remedies do the injured parties – or survivor’s of the accident victims – have? In the case of the DOT employee killed in the West Miami-Dade crash, at least at first glance it seems as though there may be some fault or negligence at issue. Under Florida Code Section 768.19, when someone’s death is the result of a wrongful act or negligence of someone else, and if the injured person would have been able to file a lawsuit against the wrongdoer and recover for their losses if they had survived, then upon their death their survivors would have a right of action against the wrongdoer.
What Are Survivors Entitled To In A Wrongful Death Action?
Survivors of an accident victim may be entitled to recover for various losses through a wrongful death action including present and future loss of support and services. Other compensable losses include loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering, funeral costs, and loss of earnings. Appropriate awards for losses are often made through settlement of a case outside of a court proceeding and, according to Florida Code Section 768.25, all settlements agreed upon during a wrongful death action must be approved by the court to be effective.
Let Us Assist You with Your Case
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident and have suffered injuries as a result, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you are looking for the best possible representation for your accident case, the office of Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale is the place to turn. Our caring and compassionate auto accident attorneys have a wide variety of experience with all types of accident cases and know that each case requires a specific course of action to ensure success. We will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Florida law and make sure you feel comfortable about the progress of your case from start to finish. Contact us online or call us at 954.556.5260 to speak with one of our legal professional to schedule your free consultation today.
