Miami Personal Injury Lawyer, Auto Accident Lawyers, Serious Injury Attorneys

Two months ago, a police officer was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call after she lost control of her vehicle and was killed.  At the time, it was believed to have been a single-vehicle Florida car accident, but now comes word that there was another driver involved, and he has been arrested in connection with the incident.  According to police, Nicolas Briand, 23, was arrested for making an improper turn and with leaving the scene of the accident.  His arrest was made based on statements of witnesses who saw the fatal Florida car accident.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Melissa Powers was killed in the crash on June 22 when she was speeding at over 100 mph in response to a call in the left-hand, northbound lane of U.S. 1.  Mr. Briand had just turned onto U.S. 1 from Michelle Drive in Monroe County and moved into the same left lane.  He saw the officer coming up behind him with the sirens on, and began to move to the right and turned on his signal to do so.  However, he decided at the last minute to stay in the left lane because the officer had already begun to pass him on the right.  Officer Powers lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a parked tractor-trailer at mile marker 101.8.  She did not survive the crash, and Mr. Briand did not stop.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

We’d initially like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Officer Powers.  Working in such a capacity brings danger every day, but this sort of sudden loss is truly tragic.  In addition, this Florida car accident will only add to the overall statistics in this regard.  Every year, approximately 200,000 people are injured and another 3,000 people are killed in Florida car accidents.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

Given that Officer Powers was killed in the line of duty, it could present different options for her surviving family.  Her family could file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the other driver for his part in the crash, and there are also likely public benefits available to them.  However, the decision regarding whether or not to file a lawsuit should only be made with the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of suffering families for many years.  If this has happened to someone you love, contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.