The Lakeland Ledger reports a fatal accident that occurred on Thursday July 23, 2009 when two vehicles collided head-on in Auburndale, FL. One person was killed while another was hospitalized.
Michelle Esposito, 34, was traveling northbound on Berkley Road near Bobbye Walker Lane in Auburndale, FL. The collision occurred at about 8:30 a.m., when her white 1994 Plymouth van crossed the double yellow line. The van collided head-on with Karen Hollington's red 2007 Ford Focus. Hollington, age 31, is also from Auburndale, FL.
Apparently, the front left side of Esposito's van collided with the driver's side of Hollington's vehicle, which resulted in the cars spinning. Hollington's vehicle was ultimately discovered ten feet off of the road along the west shoulder and in a construction site. Esposito's van came to final rest, facing almost completely south.
Firefighters worked quickly to cut away the metal, which was blocking Hollington from getting out of the vehicle.
Hollington was transported to Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, FL after a landing zone for a medical helicopter was cleared at Berkley Elementary.
Hollington was wearing a seatbelt, unlike Esposito. Hollington was thought to have serious injuries, and initially was being flown to Tampa General Hospital.
While airborne, paramedics determined Hollington's injuries were not as critical as initially thought. She was then flown to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, FL, where she was listed in stable condition on Thursday afternoon.
According to investigators, it is still unknown why Esposito's van crossed the center line. However, preliminary findings in the accident do not indicate speed was a factor in the crash.
Things are not always what they seem. Thus, when investigating the cause of a crash, it is important to look at all factors. Did either of the drivers suffer from a medical condition, which may have caused loss of consciousness? If so, did this cause the driver to swerve? Was the driver under the care of a physician and taking proper medications?
On the surface, it may seem obvious who is liable for the accident but further inquiry may identify a negligent party who had not been considered before.
