Man killed in accident with Florida deputy

A 79-year-old man is dead following an early morning accident in Florida that happened earlier this month. A sheriff's deputy, who was also involved in the crash, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment, though he has since been released.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motor vehicle collision occurred as the now-deceased driver was returning home after visiting relatives in central Florida. Although the man was using a GPS device, a witness account confirms that he was driving in the wrong way on the highway.

The witness, who was driving eastbound, told police that he saw headlights approaching him in the other eastbound lane. The witness claimed to have flashed his headlights a number of times, but the man only flashed his lights in return and did not turn around. The witness saw another vehicle quickly approaching the driver and witnessed the two cars slamming into each other. The witness said the driver did not appear to be speeding.

Another witness said he had seen the car going the wrong direction. That witness also attempted to warn the driver, swerving into a different lane and honking his horn.

Although police officials say the deputy is recovering from his wounds, he has not returned to his job. The Florida Highway Patrol said it would not file charges in connection to the serious car accident, as the man responsible for the crash was killed in the wreck.

The tragic accident should be a lesson for all drivers. If you cause an accident because of negligence, such as driving in the wrong lane, you can be held liable for injuries inflicted on passengers and other drivers.

Source: Ocala.com, "FHP issues report on fatal crash involving deputy," Austin L. Miller, May 17, 2012