Less than a month ago, a New York booze magnate was killed in a Miami Beach crash wherein his brother-in-law was allegedly operating a $400,000 Lamborghini intoxicated at 120-miles-per-hour.
The brother-in-law was seriously injured, but Double Cross Vodka mogul Malcom Lloyd was killed instantly. The driver of a sport-utility-vehicle was also seriously injured.
While the criminal case against that driver is pending, including charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular assault, Lloyd’s widow has filed a civil case against him on behalf of herself, her husband’s estate and their two young sons, ages 1 and 5.
West Palm Beach car accident lawyers recognize that Lloyd v. Toro is complicated not only by the fact that there is a criminal matter pending, but also because the widow lives out-of-state, keeping residents in Maine and New York.
This is not an uncommon scenario in injury cases in Florida because so many people visit the state for vacation. Plaintiffs need to trust the attorney they hire is not only experienced in handling Florida cases, but also will offer advice on when travel is necessary and when it isn’t.
Here, according to court records, Lloyd was a passenger in his relative’s sports car, which police estimate was traveling approximately 120 miles-per-hour in a 50-mile-per-hour one on McArthur Causeway. It was nearly 3 a.m., and the pair were heading back to the driver’s residence after attending a party at the Versace mansion. At some point, the driver lost control, slamming into the back of an SUV that had stopped at a red light on the causeway. The impact of this crash sent the Lamborghini airborne for approximately 100 yards.
Investigators would later determine that the driver’s blood-alcohol level was approximately 0.173, more than twice the 0.08 percent legal limit.
The complaint seeks not only compensatory damages, but punitive damages as well, alleging the driver’s actions were grossly negligent for the fact that he was so reckless and without care that it amounted to a total indifference or disregard for the life, safety or right of others around him.
The victim was a well-known, successful entrepreneur whom many had come to know as “Dr. Vodka.” He had a medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School, and had studied biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He also had founded a health care information technology firm, and additionally had designed heart medicine trials for a number of drug manufacturers.
He began distilling vodka in 2005, and founded the Old Nassau Imports. This later became the importer of the brand Double Cross. Wine Enthusiasts granted the brand an exceptional 95-point rating, and it had received numerous other industry accolades.
The wrongful death action indicates that the amount of damages sought is in excess of $15,000, though we expect the ultimate amount, if the case is won, to be far higher, given the wealth of both parties involved. She is seeking damages for the loss of past and future support and services of the decedent.
Freeman Injury Law — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights.
Additional Resources:
Lloyd v. Toro, filed May 2, 2014, In the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County
More Blog Entries:
School Bus Accident Illustrates Florida’s Comparative Fault Law, March 3, 2014, West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer Blog