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A woman was tragically killed in a fatal DUI crash in St. Petersburg on Monday night. The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Latoya Roundtree.
Police say the crash occurred at the intersection of 18th Avenue South and 22nd Street South at around 9 p.m. 23-year-old Arrttonoyo Lee was reportedly speeding along 18th Avenue when he drove through a red light at the intersection with 22nd Street, crashing into Roundtree's gray 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
Lee and Roundtree were both hospitalized at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where Roundtree was pronounced dead.
Lee has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, possession of marijuana, and violation of probation. He is being held at the Pinellas County Jail.
Attorney contributor Michael Haggard represents people who have been injured by drunk drivers and the families of those killed by them. He may advise them on what options they have for a hit by drunk driver settlement. Michael has some thoughts to share on the legal rights of these victims and families in Florida:
When a drunk driver causes a fatal crash, it's important that the families of the victims are aware of their legal rights. These families deserve justice, answers, and financial support for the personal and economic difficulties they face as a result of losing a loved one.
Drunk drivers can be sued directly in wrongful death lawsuits, or in personal injury lawsuits for non-fatal crashes. Additionally, there are some situations in which alcohol vendors can be held liable for serving a drunk driver prior to a crash that resulted in injuries or deaths. These alcohol vendor lawsuits are called dram shop claims.
Florida is one of many states with dram shop laws, although they are more restrictive than some other states. In Florida, an alcohol vendor can be sued for injuries or deaths caused by a customer if the customer was either under 21 years of age or someone who the vendor knew was "habitually addicted" to alcohol.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you can learn more about your legal rights by speaking with one of our experienced DUI crash victims lawyers in a free consultation.
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