Man Crashes into College after Killing 1 and Injuring 3
A driver who was the responsible party in a crash that killed one person, injured three others and forced the cancellation of daytime classes at Miami Dad College Entrepreneurial Education Center has been arrested by police.
According to witnesses, the deadly accident occurred just after midnight Tuesday along 63rd Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue. Eyewitness reports say that the driver was travelling at a high rate of speed when they lost control of their vehicle. The car skidded into the college.
One man who was on his way home from work witnessed the crash and tried to help. “We couldn’t get him out and the car was on fire,” said Julius Millerson.
Emergency rescue crews had to use the Jaws of Life in order to extricate three passengers from the car. They were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Their condition has not yet been released.
Investigators say that the driver was driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen. After the accident, the driver then fled the scene on foot. The driver checked himself into Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was treated for his injuries and then taken into police custody.
The campus has is once again open and police are checking surveillance videos in the area.
The two other passengers are being treated and charges are pending against the driver.
It remains to be seen what charges will be filed against this driver, but doubtless they will be very serious. Driving recklessly can lead to charges as serious as vehicular homicide.
The definition of vehicular homicide is when a person is killed as a result of another person operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner. The reckless operation of that vehicle that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another person. If a person is tried and convicted of vehicular homicide, the sentence can carry penalties of several years of prison time, high fines in the tens of thousands of dollars or even higher, as well as many hours of community service.
Other charges this driver may face are leaving the scene of an accident or hit and run and a failure to render aid. Whenever there is an accident and especially when there is injury or death, you must stay at the scene of the crash until the authorities arrive. Not to do so is a very serious crime. The Florida Statue 316.027 states that the driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury of any person must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, and must remain at the scene of the crash until they are cleared to do so by law enforcement. Drivers involved in a crash must also give information and are required to render aid. Failure to do so will result in a charge of second-degree felony. However, an accident resulting in death is increased to a first degree felony.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that involved serious injury, give our offices a call. Our legal professionals are here to answer any questions you may have and help you to determine the real value of your case. Medical expenses, long term rehabilitative care, or of funeral costs after a tragic loss of a beloved family member can add up. Our attorneys are there to help you get your the compensation you deserve, and see that those responsible are held accountable. We have years of experience of successfully representing our clients in the Florida Courts. Your initial consultation is both confidential and free of charge.