Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers

When we see a police cruiser speeding down the road with its lights on and sirens blaring, most of us pull off to the side of the road and give it clear passage.  We do so because it’s expected of us and because we all assume that the cruiser is headed to a destination to conduct important police business that involves our collective safety and protection.  Tragically, it seems that the start of a vehicular homicide trial for a former police officer shows that there are certain times when even the police can be accused of reckless behavior that leads to substantial, irreversible harm.

The criminal trial centers on a fatal Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident that occurred on June 19, 2006 when former police officer Alexander Griss was speeding at a rate of more than 90 miles per hour when he crashed into Althea Tobias McKay.  Ms. McKay was crossing the street at Southeast 21st Street and Federal Highway at about 5:21 a.m.  As a result of the collision, Ms. McKay was thrown 112 feet from the point of impact and was killed as a result.

Prosecutors are alleging that the officer was not responding to an emergency at the time, but rather he had just completed his duty for the day.  He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and the trial for his prosecution is beginning.  If convicted, Mr. Griss faces up to 15 years in prison.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Unfortunately, no amount of prison time will ever reverse the result of this fatal Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident for the family of Ms. McKay.  In addition, incidents like this one wind up becoming part of the statistics that record Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 Florida pedestrian accidents occur, injuring approximately 7,800 people and killing another 500.

Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyers

Even though it’s not clear whether or not the family of Ms. McKay ever filed a Florida wrongful death lawsuit, it would possibly be too late for them to do so now since the Florida statute of limitations for such actions is two years from the date of the incident.  However, this case should alert anyone that such actions are possible regardless of the person who is responsible for the death that occurred.

If you have lost someone you love because of the negligence or recklessness of someone else - even if it was a police officer whom you believe was in the wrong - you need to seek the advice and the help of Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers who understand the nature of these situations and who can fight to obtain justice for your suffering family.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.