Miami Teen’s Car Crash Turns Fatal
During what should have been a day to celebrate our nation’s independence, for one South Florida woman and her family, it was a tragic one. During the early hours of Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 18-year-old Johana Arias and four of her friends, all teenagers, were on their way home when her Honda Accord was crushed by a Chevy Blazer. When paramedics got to the scene, the accident was so violent that the “Jaws of Life” had to be used for about thirty minutes to extract all six victims from the mangled vehicles. Joana’s passengers—as well as 45-year-old Noemi Hernandez, the driver of the Chevy Blazer—were sent to Kendall Regional Medical Center with minor injuries and some broken bones. Johana, on the other hand, died on impact. It was determined later that Johana was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the collision.
Arias, who had just graduated from Southwest Miami Senior High School one month prior, was remembered as a “high-spirited” young lady with many wonderful friends. Brought to the United States by her mother, Zoraya Alvarez, when she was only a little girl, Alvarez and were very close—and to that day, shared a small apartment together in Westchester, FL. Later that summer, Johana had plans to visit her father in her native country of Columbia. Upon returning from this trip, Johana was expected to begin taking medical-related classes at Florida International University that fall.
Regardless of the outcome, car accidents can drastically affect the lives of those involved. Though some collisions don’t result in much injury or damage, and therefore may not require the assistance of the courts, some are far more serious. In fatal cases—much like that of Johana—It is important that spouses, family members and loved ones of accident victims gain the legal representation they deserve to help them get the best possible outcome for their case. Unfortunately, insurance companies never want to pay more than the absolute minimum. Regardless of the type of accident you’ve been involved in, hiring a Miami car accident attorney can help you fight these insurance companies, and gain the compensation you deserve for vehicle damages, current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Furthermore, they will stay by your side throughout all legal proceedings, and ensure that you understand all of the complicated legal terminology, details and decisions involved in your case.