Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
OCALA, FL – Police announced the arrest of an alleged drunk driver in connection with a fatal wreck that occurred in Ocala on Wednesday night.
WKMG reports the suspect was identified as 44-year-old Tiara Kirkland. Ocala police said she was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Spark heading south on North Pine Avenue at about 7:45 p.m.
Investigators learned that Kirkland turned into the path of a Toyota Scion and a Honda Civic which were both traveling north.
The Honda driver managed to avoid the Chevy, but the Toyota driver crashed into Kirkland’s car. The impact caused the Toyota to hit a raised median on NW 20th Street, overturn multiple times, and hit three cars in a parking lot.
A passenger in the Toyota was thrown from the vehicle and killed, while the driver suffered life-threatening injuries. The Honda driver was not injured.
Police said Kirkland showed signs of impairment, failed field sobriety tests, and had blood alcohol content levels over twice the legal limit. She was charged with DUI manslaughter and taken to the Marion County jail.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the speeds of the Toyota and Honda were contributing factors in the accident.
If you have been the victim of a Florida car accident caused by a reckless drunk driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our skilled Marion County car accident lawyers at Whittel & Melton will fight hard on your behalf to protect your legal rights and obtain the money you deserve. Give us a call at 866-608-5529 or contact us online to setup a free consultation.