Auto accidents are often attributed to factors like distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence. However, another significant cause of accidents is medical events experienced by drivers while behind the wheel. When a driver suffers a sudden medical condition, such as a heart attack or seizure, it can lead to devastating consequences for other motorists, pedestrians, and passengers involved. Victims of such accidents may pursue personal injury claims to seek compensation for their injuries and losses, but litigating this type of claim can pose a unique challenge.
A Port Charlotte woman’s car was struck when an SUV careened into her lane, heading in the wrong direction. When police reported to the scene, they found that the driver of the SUV was a 53-year-old Sarasota man who had died behind the wheel following a medical event. Unlike cases involving reckless or negligent driving behaviors, accidents caused by a motorist’s sudden medical crisis raise questions about liability and foreseeability. While drivers have a duty to maintain control of their vehicles and operate them safely, a heart attack or stroke can sometimes make this impossible.
However, this does not absolve the driver of responsibility entirely. Florida law requires drivers to take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents, including seeking medical attention if they have a known medical condition that could impair their ability to drive safely. Failure to do so may constitute negligence, opening the door to personal injury claims from injured parties.
Proving liability in these cases often requires a thorough investigation by an experienced auto accident attorney. This investigation may involve gathering medical records, eyewitness testimony and expert opinions to establish a causal link between the driver's medical event and the accident. Additionally, attorneys must demonstrate that the driver failed to take necessary precautions or ignored warning signs that could have prevented the accident.
At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys have won complex personal injury claims for clients throughout the Gulf Coast area. Please call 941-954-1234 or contact us online if you or a family member injured in a car crash caused by someone else’s medical emergency.