wrongful death

January 30, 2019

Miami-Dade Police Officer Caused Fatal Crash, May Face Civil and Criminal Court Cases

Miami-Dade Police Officer John Young Song caused a deadly car accident on March 6 at Southwest 260^th Street and 147^th Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. Officer Song was placed under arrest for the crash this November and has been charged with vehicular homicide. Reports indicate the officer was speeding, did not have his vehicle’s headlights or siren on, and failed to stop at a stop sign. Miami-Dade Police Spokesperson Lee Cowart said the officer was not responding to a call and was on a routine patrol at the time. Officer Song drove through the stop sign and collided with a white Nissan carrying Emilio Jesus Vizcaino, 45. Due to the various factors involving with the crash, the officer is accused of driving the police vehicle in manner that displayed a willful and wanton disregard for other people and property’s safety. On other words, the officer is accused of driving recklessly. Song will be arraigned for the criminal charges on December 13. However, he may face more than a criminal case. The Vizcaino family have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

If your loved one was recently killed in a car crash that you believe was caused by someone else, we recommend you call our Miami wrongful death lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. at (877) 475-2905. We will thoroughly review your circumstances and advise you of your right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have a valid claim, we will work hard to obtain a fair settlement for you and your family.

A Wrongful Death Claim Is Separate From Criminal Charges

July 23, 2018

Miami Uber Driver, Louis Cancio, 68, Killed in Crash

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

On July 18, Louis Cancio, 68, accepted his last ride request of the day. He picked up a woman and multiple children. He was to drop them at their destination and then continue on to his chemo treatment. However, during the Uber trip, Cancio’s Ford SUV was struck by a Dodge Ram. The crash occurred at Northwest 14^th Avenue and Northwest 5^th Street in Miami around 1:45 p.m. The Ram was reported as stolen and driven by Danny Tejera, who has been charged with grand theft auto. Melissa Castro was a passenger in the stolen Ram and has been charged with trespassing. Cancio was pronounced dead at the hospital. His four passengers were also taken to the hospital for their injuries to be treated.

Cancio’s family faces a difficult decision. While Tejera may be charged and convicted of one or more crimes related to the accident, that may not benefit the surviving family. Cancio’s family or estate may have the right to pursue compensation from Tejera in a civil lawsuit. If you lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another driver, do not hesitate to obtain legal advice. Our Miami car accident lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. are here to listen to your story, investigate the crash, and advise you of your legal options. Contact our Miami-Dade County office at (305) 371-6000.

Florida’s Wrongful Death Law

March 15, 2018

Alligator Alley Car Crash Leads to Fatality

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Multi-Vehicle Crash in Alligator Alley Leads to Fatality

In early March, an accident on I-75, locally known as Alligator Alley, led to one fatality and numerous injuries. A van carrying 15 people was travelling east in the left lane when it was rear-ended by a truck. The van was carrying individuals from Minnesota as young as 4 years old, visiting for a spring training game in Ft. Myers. When the van was struck by the pickup truck, the driver lost control. The van flipped, several passengers were ejected, and it landed on the other side of the highway. The truck also rolled over. Numerous reports state a third vehicle was involved in the crash, though specifics were not given. One van passenger was killed, Lauren Vanreese. Numerous passengers were airlifted to a hospital due to serious injuries while other van passengers and the driver of the truck were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Liability for the Accident

June 6, 2017

Boating Accidents in Miami

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Miami Boating Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries

At Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., our maritime accident lawyers represent the victims of serious boating accidents and injuries. We understand the complexities of maritime law and know how to hold negligent boat operators, manufacturers, cruise lines, marinas, and others who operate in the recreational boating industry responsible for their actions.

The recent death of Jose Fernandez gained significant attention locally and nationally. Hernandez, who was under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol crashed his boat into a large group of rocks located on South East side of Government Cut. Accidents like these are preventable and avoidable. Hernandez’s death has resulted in a high profile wrongful death lawsuit. The allegations in that lawsuit filed in Miami Dade County Circuit Court, highlight the many dangers and types of reckless conduct that can result in boat accident fatalities. Our injury lawyers urge all boat operators and passengers to exercise extreme caution this boating season.