​Traffic accidents are often tragic, especially when they result in someone's death. When someone dies, it's important that the right person be held accountable. Darrel Earl Daise, age thirty-three, of the Florida Panhandle, was sentenced on April 4, 2017, for his role in a fatal crash that killed one and seriously injured another.

Extreme Speeding and Drugs Involved

At the time of the accident, Daise was found to be driving over 70 mph in a 25-mph zone. He flew through the intersection at 69th Avenue and Lillian Highway at such a high rate of speed that he first crashed into one van before sliding and rolling down 69th Avenue and landing on top of a caravan, shoving it more than sixty feet from where it had initially been stopped at a red light. The driver of the first struck vehicle, Karen Service, was injured. The driver of the caravan that Daise's Chevrolet Tahoe landed on, Caroline Ann Pepper, died.

While Daise was injured because of his actions, authorities found him attempting to flee the scene. To complicate matters even more, it was discovered that Daise was a convicted felon. He does not have a drivers license and has a history of leaving the scene of accidents. Toxicology reports showed that Daise also had both cocaine and THC in his system at the time of the incident, and authorities found drugs and paraphernalia in his vehicle.

The Sentence

As a result, Daise was sentenced to thirty years in prison. Florida state law mandates that he must serve at least 85 percent of his term before he will even become eligible for a parole hearing. While this doesn't bring back Caroline Pepper or erase the accident and the injuries it caused, it could bring closure to those involved and their families. It could also prevent Daise from causing further accidents and injuring others in the future.

Palm Beach Car Accident LawyerIf you have lost a loved one or were injured in a car accident because of someone else's negligence, we can help you get justice. Contact the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo at 561-659-6366 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.