Pickup truck driver arrested after fatal Friday night crash on U.S. Highway 19
PINELLAS PARK, FL, (October 18, 2024) - A motorcyclist died and her 9-year-old daughter was seriously injured Friday night in a collision involving an alleged impaired motorist in Pinellas Park.
Consuelo Serralde was fatally injured Friday night when an alleged impaired driver struck the motorcycle she was driving along U.S. Highway 19 in Pinellas Park.
According to the Pinellas Park Police Department, a Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling northbound along U.S. Highway 19 when a southbound Toyota Tacoma pickup truck attempted a left turn and struck the bike at approximately 8:30 p.m.
The driver of the motorcycle, Consuelo Serralde, was rushed to an area hospital, where she tragically passed away. Her daughter was hospitalized with serious injuries.
The 56-year-old man operating the pickup was charged with DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, and resisting an officer.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 8,174 of the 42,915 fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2021 involved alcohol.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood-alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Consuelo Serralde may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
"In the wake of a catastrophic accident, families deserve peace of mind. Completing an independent investigation while big insurance corporations want to weaken your case requires an attorney with full knowledge of the complex legal process and resources to fight by your side.
"Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. While no amount of compensation can bring them back, an experienced attorney can hold responsible parties accountable and help secure justice for your family."
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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