A Florida dentist is facing a lawsuit after a fatal vehicle crash killed two individuals and injured another. Matthew Moye, 34, practicing dentist at Big Bend Dental in Riverview, allegedly drove drunk, sped and lost control of his Cadillac. Tampa police arrested Moye, charged him two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence with property damage or personal injury and battery on a law enforcement office. Two days later, the injured survivor filed a lawsuit against Moye.
According to the complaint, Joao Barbosa, former Marriott Waterside employee, suffered injuries at the time as he jumped away from the Cadillac SUV hurling towards him. Barbosa and co-workers were walking across the Harbour Island Bridge at the time. Barbosa injured his ankle. He uses a wheelchair and is unable to return to work.
Barbosa’s attorney states his client is seeking damages exceeding $15,000 for his personal injury claim.
As a part of his complaint, Barbosa states he is single and has no children; therefore, he has no built-in support system. Plaintiff also alleged that witnessing the death of two co-workers was a traumatic experience.
Matthew Moye is out of jail following his first appearance at the Falkenberg Jail. The judge set his bond at $119,000. Kate Kohlier, 24, died on the scene. Douglas Kozar, 23, was pushed over the guardrail and into a planter. He died in the ambulance. Moye’s wife, Kelly, was in the vehicle driven by the dentist and firefighters pulled her out of the vehicle. Another passenger was in the backseat, name not released. No one in Moye’s vehicle was injured.
