Sometimes it’s easy to take for granted how much of a privilege driving is; other times it’s easy to take for granted how dangerous it can be. A recent automotive accident right in the heart of Gainesville left several hospitalized—including one who was ejected from her vehicle—proving that even under safe conditions and in safe vehicles, disaster can strike at any time.
On the afternoon of Friday, March 11, two women and a 10-year-old child in a Honda CR-V were stopped at the intersection of South Main Street and Williston Road. Officer Ben Tobias, the Gainesville Police Department’s spokesman, said that the CR-V was stopped at Main Street waiting to enter the intersection when a white Lexus rear-ended the Honda, pushing it into the intersection prematurely.
Moments later, a white pickup truck heading westbound on Williston struck the Honda, ejecting one woman from the vehicle. She is currently in critical condition. The other woman in the CR-V and one of the two men who were passengers in the white pickup are in serious condition, while the young boy sustained only minor injuries. The driver of the Lexus was not hurt. All of the injured patients at the scene of the accident were quickly stabilized by firefighters so that they could be rushed to UF Health Shands.
The names of those injured in the accident have not yet been released. Officer Tobias mentioned on Friday that investigators have not yet determined what caused the Lexus to hit the Honda, although witnesses and the Fire Department are speculating that speed may have been a contributing factor. It is also unclear whether or not the woman who was ejected from the CR-V was wearing a seatbelt. Learn more about this accident here.
Even a minor accident, like getting rear-ended, can suddenly snowball into something much more dire. It’s important to be aware of your options if or when the worst does happen. The law office of Steven A. Bagen & Associates is based in Gainesville, but provides legal service for residents across Florida, covering anything from auto accidents to personal injury. Contact us today via our website or call (800) 800-2575 for a free consultation. We are available any time, 24/7.
