Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
SUMTER COUNTY, FL – A teenage driver was arrested following a fatal car accident that occurred in Sumter County on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
The Daily Commercial reports five teenage boys were in a Dodge Charger going south on Interstate 75 at a high rate of speed shortly before 3 p.m. The Florida Highway Patrol states that the driver, a 17-year-old boy, was recklessly overtaking slower traffic and veered off the interstate in order to avoid a crash.
The Dodge then collided with a tree and caught fire. A 16-year-old passenger was killed while a 15-year-old passenger was seriously injured. Two other passengers, ages 13 and 17, sustained minor injuries. State troopers said the driver, who also suffered minor injuries, left the car, took off the license plate and fled on foot. He was later apprehended at a chicken coop in Oxford. All the occupants of the Dodge were from Inverness.
The driver now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
If you or a loved one were the victim of a car accident in which another driver was at fault, contact the Sumter County car accident lawyers at Whittel & Melton to find out how we can help. We can effectively evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you determine your options for seeking financial compensation. Our goal is to help injured victims and their families get back to the quality of life they once enjoyed before the interruption of another driver’s negligence. To schedule a free initial consultation, reach out to us online or by phone at 866-608-5529.