Brooksville Teen Charged in Feb. Street-Racing Death

July 16, 2012

A 19-year-old Brooksville man accused of racing an 18-year-old man and causing the crash that killed him was taken into custody Sunday evening and is now facing numerous charges, including vehicular homicide.

According to Florida Highway Patrol officials, the 19-year-old was racing the 18-year-old Brooksville man on Feb. 9 around 6 p.m. when the pair apparently approached oncoming traffic, causing the 19-year-old to merge into the northbound lane to avoid a collision.

Investigators claim that in the process of the lane change, the right rear of the 19-year-old’s Honda Civic clipped the front left of the 18-year-old’s Honda Civic, resulting in both driver’s losing control of their vehicles.

The 18-year-old’s car slammed into a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the driver that caused the accident fled the scene, but was tracked down by troopers with the help of witnesses. He was not charged following the collision.

The man was taken into custody Sunday and charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, racing, driving while license suspended, operating an unregistered vehicle and having no insurance.

He was transported to the Hernando County Jail with bail set at $16,250.

In the state of Florida, any unsanctioned street racing is considered illegal. If someone is killed in a street racing accident, whether it is another driver, passenger or pedestrian, the driver that caused the accident may face serious felony charges such as vehicular manslaughter. In addition to criminal charges, wrongful death charges can be filed in civil court.

Street racers put their own lives and the lives of everyone else sharing the road at risk. In general, young drivers that are more inclined to take dangerous road risks are often involved in illegal street racing. Inexperienced motorists lack the judgment and experience needed to control a vehicle traveling at excessive speeds. In fact, even the most experienced driver may find it difficult to control a car reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by street racing or another act by a careless or reckless driver, under law, you are entitled to compensation for any injuries and losses. Motorists responsible for a street racing accident can be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused by the accident as well as for any property damage. You may be able to recover financial compensation for damages including medical treatment, rehabilitation, disability, pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of future earnings, burial expenses and even punitive damages.

If you or someone you care for was the victim of someone else’s wrongdoing, contact the Hernando County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-666-2121.