Two girls, both aged 10, were killed in a car accident on a recent Sunday evening in Auburndale, Fla.

TAMPA, FL, US, November 6, 2013 /EINPresswire.com/ -- According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, two passengers died after the vehicle they were riding in was struck by a pickup truck that ran a red light. A third, Maleah Rojas, 8, was taken by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. Police said none of the three girls were wearing seat belts.

“There appears to be plenty of blame to go around in this tragedy,” said Tampa auto accident attorney Robert Joyce. “The collision never would have occurred if the truck driver had not run a red light. However, it is the responsibility of every driver to make sure all passengers buckle up, and that goes double for minor children.”

The accident occurred at about 6:30 p.m., when Leighton Hopper of Winter Haven was driving his Dodge pickup west on Havendale Boulevard approaching Jersey Road. Linda Mercer, 60, was southbound on Jersey Road in her Volkswagen Beetle with four passengers. Two young passengers, and Maleah Rojas were in the back seat, and Audrey Mercer, 14, was in the front passenger seat.

A report from the Sheriff's Office indicated that eyewitnesses said Hopper ran a red light when he entered the intersection. After colliding with the Volkswagen, the truck made a complete roll and landed on its tires. Hopper was wearing his seat belt and sustained minor injuries.

Linda Mercer and her daughter Audrey were both wearing seat belts. Linda suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries, and was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Audrey sustained minor injuries.

Learn more at http://www.joyceandreyespa.com/practice-areas/auto-accidents/

Tom Johnson
Joyce & Reyes Law Firm
813-251-2007
email us here

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