Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt | Attorneys At Law

Young woman charged in Fatal DUI Accident

On Behalf of | Mar 21, 2013 | Wrongful Death |

Recently, a 25-year-old woman was charged with multiple crimes arising out of an alleged hit and run accident that occurred in Miami near the intersection on Southwest 140th Avenue near Sunset Drive. She is charged with hitting a minivan and then continuing to drive without stopping. As the driver fled the scene of the car accident, she collided with another vehicle, causing a fatal accident.

The second car accident occurred as the driver veered in and out of traffic lanes at excessive speeds. The unidentified vehicle that she struck was deflected into a tree on Sunset Drive near Southwest 140th Avenue. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. After the second accident, the driver spoke with police and received treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police have charged the driver with three counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Her blood alcohol level at the time of the accident was not released. However, police report that the woman drank a bottle of wine and ingested illegal substances before driving. If convicted, she could be sentenced to imprisonment on each of the charges.

In addition to the criminal penalties, a person who causes the wrongful death of another can be ordered to pay damages to the estate of the victim. Damages typically include funeral costs and lost earning potential for the deceased. Where there are medical bills or property damage, the wrongdoer may also be ordered to pay those amounts. Any person who has lost a loved one in an alcohol-related car accident may benefit from speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Source: NBC Miami, “Nicole Menedez, Driver in Fatal Crash, Charged with DUI Manslaughter,” March 5, 2013

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