Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Former Yankees star Jim Leyritz is set to stand trial this week in a Broward County courtroom on charges in connection with a fatal Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident.
The family of the victim has already collected a wrongful death settlement from Leyritz, despite the fact that the former major league player is reportedly broke and that the victim was determined to also be legally drunk at the time of the accident. Florida’s comparative negligence system permits a victim to collect damages even if he or she is partly at-fault in the accident. Victims who feel they do not have a case because of their own actions should always consult a Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer to discuss their case.
Leyritz is accused of running a red light while driving drunk three years ago. The resulting accident killed a 30-year-old Plantation mother of two who was on her way home from her job as a bartender. The former ball player had been out celebrating his 44th birthday prior to the December 2007 accident. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
In settling the wrongful death lawsuit, his insurance company agreed to pay the $250,000 policy limits and Leyritz will pay the family $1,000 a month for 100 months. He played 11 seasons in the major leagues and helped the Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series. But more recently he has been forced to apply for support from a charity funded by current players that assists former players in need.
The Palm Beach Post reports that the judge has ruled inadmissible evidence that the victim was drunk, not wearing her seat belt and was receiving text messages at the time of the accident.
Freeman & Mallard is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm dedicated to helping motorists who have been injured in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.