In Florida, an SUV smashed into a car killing a young girl who was a passenger in the car driver by a friend. Late last year, a verdict was rendered in this wrongful death case.

The driver of the Sport Utility Vehicle failed to stop at a red light and struck the car that the 16 year old girl was in. She was killed instantly. 

She is survived by her parents.
 

Fernandez’s parents, on behalf of her estate, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that owned the vehicle and the operator of the SUV.  The suit against the driver alleged that he was speeding and failed to stop at a red light.  Plaintiff’s suit against the owner alleged liability based on respondeat superior.
 

The driver of the SUV pleaded guilty to criminal charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license.  Defendants admitted liability in the civil action but contested the amount of the damages.
 

A jury awarded  $8.75 million, with half of the award to go to each of the 16 year old girl’s parents. Of course, no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a child.