Fatal Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run Crash Shows DUI Still A Serious Problem Facing Sarasota
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Drunk driving is a significant issue in the community in Sarasota and all of Southwest, Florida. The consequences of drunk driving can be severe, often resulting in serious auto accidents with debilitating injuries, deaths, and lives changed forever. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2020, Sarasota County reported 280 alcohol-related crashes, which resulted in 128 injuries and 16 fatalities. These numbers highlight the continuing devastating consequences of drunk driving in our community.A recent fatal DUI hit-and-run crash on I-75 in Sarasota was another tragic reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving and highlighted the importance of personal injury law in protecting the victims' rights. While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one, as DUI victims recover from their injuries, they are entitled to the pursuit of justice and compensation that will play a crucial role in helping them move forward with their lives.
Drunk Driver Hit-and-Run Crash On I-75 in Sarasota County Kills Two And Seriously Injures Two, Driver Charged
Sarasota County - Florida Highway Patrol has announced that two people have died and two others are seriously injured after a drunk driver side-swiped a pickup truck on I-75 Saturday.
According to the report, the fatal crash began as a 2006 Hyundai sedan, driven by a 59-year-old man from Naples Florida, was traveling south on the left lane of Interstate 75, south of Mile Marker 196.
As the Naples man drove south, a Ford pickup truck driven, by a 63-year-old woman from North Port Florida was traveling in the center lane next to the Hynadai sedan with 3 other passengers including a 41-year-old woman from North Port in the front driver-side passenger seat, and two men in the back seats of the pickup truck, a 50-year-old man from Lowell Indiana, and a 64-year-old man from North Port Florida.
At 7:10 P.M. The 59-year-old man from Naples steered the Hynadai sedan to the right into the center lane, causing the right side of the sedan to collide with the left side of the pickup truck.
The force of the crash caused the pickup truck to rotate to the right where it traveled off the roadway onto the grass shoulder and rolled over.
As the truck was overturning both the passengers in the back seats of the pickup truck were thrown from the vehicle.
The driver of the pickup truck and the passenger in the front seat were both seriously injured in the crash and flown to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
The 50-year-old man from Indiana who was ejected from the pickup truck was critically injured and flown to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The other passenger in the back seat of the pickup truck was fatally injured and died at the scene of the crash.
The 59-year-old man who fled the scene was located a short time later on Laurel Road, identified as Donald Leif Johnsen, age 59, of Naples, and arrested for two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, and two counts of DUI manslaughter.
FHP has stated that the crash remains under investigation.
Getting Compensation After A DUI Crash
In Sarasota County as in all of Florida, the victims and families of Drunk Driving crashes can file a personal injury claim to seek financial compensation for their loss and damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
In cases where a DUI is involved, achieving justice can be complicated by the fact that there will certainly be criminal charges for the at-fault driver. This means your right to compensation will be a separate civil case, that could be going on simultaneously with a criminal case. Only the most experienced DUI victim's lawyer should be chosen to represent injured victims in DUI crashes..
As lawyers representing injured clients across Sarasota County and all of southwest Florida, Attorney Brian O. Sutter and the attorneys at All Injuries Law Firm have the experience to represent clients who have been victims of Drunk Drivers. If you or your family has been harmed by a drunk driver contact All Injuries Law Firm today for your 100% free attorney consultation.