According to the Lakeland Ledger, Polk County, FL, Deputy Matthew Dennis, 36, was driving south on State Road 37 in Bradley, FL, when Kristi Williams, 53, of Riverview, FL, struck Dennis's vehicle.
The accident occurred on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at approximately 1:15 p.m., At that time, Deputy Dennis was on his way to assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with an armed trespassing call in Bradley, FL.
As the Polk County Deputy approached Jameson Road, in Bradley, FL, he turned on his lights and began to pass the vehicles in the southbound direction.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported that Williams was turning east onto Jameson Road in a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo when the two vehicles collided. Deputy Dennis was treated at Bartow Regional Medical Center for minor injuries. He was later discharged.
Jimmy Akens, 55, of Mulberry, FL and an unnamed sixteen-year-old passenger were traveling in Williams' vehicle at the time of the crash. While Williams and the minor child declined medical treatment, Akens was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He is reported to be in stable condition.
Officials report that everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The accident is under review by the Polk County Sheriff's Office's crash review board. Thus far, Williams was cited for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.
Pursuant to Florida Statute 316.126, when a driver is approached by an authorized emergency vehicle, while on their way to meet an emergency, the driver of every other vehicle on the road must yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle.
If the emergency vehicle displays lights, sirens, or any other visible sign, then all drivers are required to stop as close as possible to the edge of the nearest curb of the roadway. Unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer, drivers must remain clear of any intersections, and remain in position until the emergency vehicle has passed.
In my practice as a personal injury lawyer in Polk County, FL, I represent injured victims of automobile accidents. It is critical for drivers to remain at constant alert while driving. Talking or texting on one's cell phone or driving while drowsy may impair a driver's ability to fully observe his/her surroundings. Pay close attention! You may have the right of way but if an emergency vehicle approaches, you have a legal obligation to yield and get out of the way. I have often represented clients who were rear-ended while stopped for an emergency vehicle. Too often, it is because the at-fault driver was distracted and failed to observe the emergency vehicle.
