A 52-year-old man from Columbiana, Ohio, and his Uber driver lost their lives in a tragic head-on collision with a wrong-way driver on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The Wednesday night incident also left a 51-year-old Columbiana woman and a 24-year-old Columbiana man, both passengers in the Uber, with serious injuries.
The incident began around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Troopers were called to help the sheriff's office stop a driver who had stolen a Ford Mustang. The driver had allegedly crashed into an HCSO patrol car and then fled southbound on I-275.
During the pursuit, monitored by an HCSO aerial unit, the chase proceeded southbound to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. An attempt by an FHP trooper to halt the driver on the bridge resulted in the driver striking the trooper's car. Subsequently, the driver reversed direction, ramming the trooper's car again before speeding in the wrong direction down the southbound lanes. As the driver continued along I-275, the stolen Mustang they were driving collided head-on with an Uber near the northern rest area, as reported by FHP.
The Mustang driver is facing a range of charges, including felony murder, vehicular homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding resulting in death, driving with a suspended license resulting in death, and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Wrong Way Accidents
In the unfortunate event of a wrong-way accident, navigating the legal aftermath can be daunting. It's important for victims and their families to consider seeking legal counsel to explore avenues for compensation. Factors like establishing liability, determining the extent of injuries, and assessing the impact on daily life must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, prompt action is essential to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a robust case.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrong-way accident, don't hesitate to reach out to Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh for a comprehensive consultation. Our firm can guide you through this challenging process, advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.