Wrongful Death Claim
Aristides Guerra died Thursday, March 10, after his SUV burst into flames after being hit by a speeding car.
Guerra, 71, was driving southbound on Greenview Shores Boulevard in Wellington at approximately 1:00pm. While trying to enter the Courtyard Shops at Wellington shopping plaza, his Jeep Grand Cherokee was struck by a 2012 BMW driven by an unidentified 18-year-old driver, also from Wellington, that authorities said was traveling “at a high rate of speed.”
Potential For Wrongful Death Claim
The family of Aristides Guerra may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, pending the results of the final investigation into the crash by authorities. Under Florida law, a “personal representative” is entitled to file the lawsuit and represent the estate’s heirs, who will also be named in the suit. Surviving spouses, adult and minor children, and parents may all be eligible to collect damages. Damages may be for both financial losses and emotional losses. It is important to note that Florida requires the following in a wrongful death suit:
- The defendant’s conduct amounted to a wrongful act, negligence default, or breach of contract or warranty.
- The conduct upon which the cause of action is based must have caused the death of the decedent(s).
Alcohol, Drugs May Have Played a Role in Crash
Investigators said the BMW “violently struck” the Jeep’s passenger side, causing it to roll over and catch fire. Trapped in the burning vehicle, Aristides Guerra was pronounced dead by paramedics after being removed from the SUV. According to the crash report by Palm Bach County Sheriff’s Deputies, drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the wreck. The driver of the BMW was taken to Wellington Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Have questions about a possible wrongful death claim? DON’T wait for an insurance company to contact you! Insurance agents and adjusters work on behalf of the insurance companies, and don’t care about YOUR loss. Call an experienced West Palm Beach wrongful death attorney at GOLDLAW at 561-222-2222 for a COMPLIMENTARY consultation to see if you have a case!
Notice: As a personal injury law firm, we frequently provide legal analysis and opinion on news stories in the hope that the family and friends of the victims may gain some valuable insight into our theories of negligence based on the facts of the case. Respectfully, our thoughts are with those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death.