CD-Changing Distracted Driver Liable For Wrongful Death Of Florida Woman

The Orlando Sentinel reported on a tragic car crash that occurred Monday on the Florida Turnpike in Osceola County.  The most tragic part of this story is how easily it could have been avoided.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Karen LeForge, of West Palm Beach, was in the inside lane of the Turnpike when she decided to change the CD in her car’s CD player.  Unfortunately, the distraction of changing the CD caused Ms. LeForge’s vehicle to drift into the adjacent lane and impact an S.U.V. being driven by Ida Henderson.  The impact caused Ms. Henderson’s vehicle to overturn on to its roof.

Ms. Henderson was tragically killed in the accident.  Two passengers travelling in Ms. Henderson’s vehicle were also injured and were taken to Osceola Regional Hospital.

As an Orlando accident attorney, I have been on a crusade against distracted driving for a long time (here, here).  It doesn’t matter if it is texting, surfing the internet, talking on a cell phone, or changing a CD, not paying full attention to the roadway and driving conditions is a recipe for disaster.

My heart definitely goes out to Ms. Henderson’s family.  This is an accident that definitely could have been avoided.  Distracted driving is a choice, after all.  I am hopeful that Ms. LeForge has plenty of bodily injury liability insurance coverage, and that Ms. Henderson (and her injured friends) all elected to carry Underinsured Motorist coverage in their own automobile insurance policies.

If you have any questions about a Florida car accident, wrongful death claims, or Florida automobile insurance, call Winter Park personal injury attorney Kim Cullen at 407-254-4901.