A Bradenton man died and a teenager suffered critical injuries in an accident in mid-January in rural Highlands County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred on January 12. A 44-year-old Bradenton man was driving his Nissan Altima eastbound on State Road 70 just west of Lightsey Ranch Road near Lake Placid. A truck towing a trailer was heading west.
The Nissan swerved into the westbound lane while the truck approached, causing the driver of the truck to steer left to avoid the collision. The left side of the Nissan hit the left side of the truck, and then the trailer. The driver of the Nissan was killed in the collision, and a 13-year-old passenger was taken to a nearby hospital where she was listed in critical condition.
The FHP sent its traffic homicide unit to conduct further investigation into the crash.
Drivers expected to stay on their side of the road
All drivers who share the roadway are expected to exercise reasonable care and follow all rules of the road. This includes staying on their side of the road. A driver who crosses into oncoming traffic will almost always be liable for any accidents that occur. Even if it is a dotted yellow line in a legal passing zone, it is still the driver’s responsibility to make sure the way is completely clear before deciding to pass. When in doubt, the driver should not attempt a pass.
There are a variety of reasons why a driver might swerve into oncoming traffic, including impairment, inattentiveness, operator error or attempting to pass. Other drivers on the road should be able to drive their vehicles without having to worry about another driver possibly swerving directly into their path.
For more information about the legal options you have if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.