35-year old Steven Olivert and his partner, Danielle Baldwin, 32, were killed when their car, a green 1996 Nissan that was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Oakland Park Blvd., and US1 in Ft Lauderdale, was struck from behind by a speeding, drunk driver driving a a black 2016 Kia. Steven was pronounced dead at the hospital and Danielle died days later when life support systems were removed. Danielle suffered a severed spine, 14 broken ribs and various internal injuries. The couple was reportedly going out for a night on the town to celebrate their 12-year anniversary.
The driver of the vehicle that struck them is suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash and fled the scene of the accident. He was arrested in a nearby mattress store where he entered, stripped naked and laid on one of the beds. Employees of the store forced him to dress and leave the store. Police then caught the suspect fleeing and took him to a nearby hospital to attend to his non-life threatening injuries.
Serious charges against the driver of the KIA are pending. If the investigation proves that the suspect was driving while legally drunk and causing the accident where two people were killed, and then fleeing the scene of the accident, the charges that could be brought could be severe. Additionally, these charges could be compounded if this is not a first DUI offense.
Causing a DUI crash where a person is killed is a felony and manslaughter charges are likely. Under Florida State Statutes DUI felony manslaughter carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 4 to 15 years, and permanent suspension of one’s driver’s license. Substantial fines can also be levied.
If you have loved ones who have been killed as a result of the negligence of a drunk driver, you are entitled to sue the driver and their insurance company for monetary damages and pain you are suffering. Call The Maus Law Firm today. We will zealously pursue payment for the medical bills and services, the property damage, and the mental anguish that the drunk driver has caused to your family.