Teen from Lake Wales Dies in Car Accident

Lake Wales, Florida.  A single car accident near the intersection of Dr. J.A. Wilshire Avenue and A Street has resulted in injuries to the front seat passenger, Lee Luzon (17 years old) and in the death of Omar Ontiveros (17 years old).  Ontiveros was a rear seat passenger.  The driver of the car was Keyshawn Johnson (also 17 years old).  Luzon is being treated at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and is in critical but stable condition.  Johnson received minor injuries from the crash.  The crash occurred when Johnson's 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier left the roadway and impacted a tree.

While it is unclear what the precise cause of this accident was, a jury is very likely to find some degree of fault (if not 100%) on Johnson for causing this crash.  Under Florida law, drivers and owners of vehicles are responsible in tort for negligence when they injure their passengers.  This means that any policy of insurance covering Johnson or the vehicle will apply to this accident.  It also means that any first party benefits, such as UM coverage, PIP-no-fault benefits, medical payment coverage, or health coverage will be responsible for their respective shares.  The family of Omar Ontiveros should receive a $5,000 death benefit from the applicable PIP carrier.  This is also a case where there may be limited liability and UM coverage to which Luzon's medical bills will need to reduced and/or adjusted accordingly.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, please contact a Lake Wales personal injury or car accident lawyer for free advice on how to handle your situation.