DUI Manslaughter of 15-Year-Old Brother

Nativada Cervantes was riding in the bed of a 2002 Dodge Ram pickup truck at approximately 4:00 a.m. on December 26, 2009 when his older brother lost control of the pickup truck and slammed into a light pole.  The vehicle was carrying six people and spun across U.S. 41 near First Street SW in Ruskin, Florida.  Nativada and another teenager were thrown from the truck bed.  Cesar Cervantes, 23, of Riverview, Florida, has been charged with the crime.  Cervantes' blood-alcohol content was 0.161, which is more than double the legal limit.

This tragic accident certainly could have and should have been prevented by the exercise of proper safety and, of course, in the case of intoxication, by not driving if you have had anything to drink.  This truck was clearly overloaded with people and it was improper and illegal to allow passengers to ride in the bed of a pickup truck.  The driver and owner of this pickup truck will likely face litigation as a result of this accident.  If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death as a result of a car accident, please contact a personal injury attorney with Moody Law to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case.  A personal injury or car accident lawyer serving the greater Central Florida area, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Davenport, Auburndale, Polk City, Ft. Meade, Lake Wales, and all of Polk County, Florida cas assist you with your case.  A consultation with one of our personal injury or car accident lawyers is free.