Whenever a driver gets behind the wheel, countless risk factors can lead to disaster. One risk that many drivers do not even consider is the possibility of drowning. Tragically, this risk became reality in 2005 for 21-year-old University of Central Florida student Chloe Arenas after she lost control of her car and drowned as a result of plunging into a retention pond off State Road 408. Chloe was not under the influence and was on her way to take her mother and grandmother to the airport when the accident occurred. Chloe’s Law has been put into place to prevent deaths like Chloe’s by requiring the state of Florida to install guardrails along bodies of water where drownings have occurred or may occur.
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis is a personal injury law firm with extensive experience helping clients in Florida who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to an accident. Our team of trusted legal professionals can handle the legal aspects of recovering compensation while you take the time to grieve your loss. Our personal injury lawyers will provide you with the personal care and dedicated representation you deserve.
Understanding Chloe’s Law
The unfortunate truth is that driving is dangerous. Even the most safe and law-abiding drivers can fall victim to an accident due to the various risk factors that lurk on the Florida roadways. While there is much that is out of the control of people when it comes to auto accidents, there are certain cases where there is an opportunity for change. The tragic passing of Chloe Arenas made advocates like Ms. Arena’s close friend, Clarissa Lindsey, and Florida lawmakers take a hard look at what they could be doing to keep drivers safe and potentially save lives.
Florida is the number one state in the country for the number of people who have drowned in their vehicles. Chloe’s Law has a mission to change that by leading the charge to make Florida’s roads safer for drivers by installing guardrails along waterways where a drowning has or may happen. While these guardrails may not prevent all accidents, they may be able to save lives by preventing vehicles from going into the water after a crash occurs. If you have lost a loved one due to a traffic accident drowning, they deserve justice. To seek justice after your unimaginable loss, contact a trusted personal injury lawyer to begin the claims process today.
Can a Lawyer Help You Prove Liability After a Traffic Accident Drowning in Florida?
Nothing can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, especially after an accident as tragic as a traffic-related drowning. While Chloe’s Law has done a great job ensuring many waterways or retention ponds in the state have been blocked off by guard rails if there has been a drowning or it is believed a drowning could occur there, there are still many bodies of water that have not yet had guardrails installed and represent a risk to drivers.
After losing a loved one to a traffic accident drowning, you may be able to help give them justice by filing a personal injury claim. Not only will your claim offer you compensation for your losses, but you will also be able to hold the liable party responsible. To prove liability for your traffic accident drowning case, you will need to provide evidence of the four elements of negligence:
- The liable party owed the victim a duty of care
- The liable party breached the duty of care
- The breach of duty led to the accident
- A loss was suffered as a result
To get help building your case and collecting the necessary evidence, retain the help of a Florida personal injury lawyer today.
Contact a Florida Traffic Accident Drowning Lawyer Today
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our team of dedicated lawyers can help you through this difficult time as you seek justice after losing a loved one to a traffic accident drowning in Florida. With over 50 years of experience, our team can help you retain the fair compensation and justice you deserve for your claim.
To speak with one of our Florida traffic accident lawyers, fill out our contact form or call (407) 843-7060.
