A 26-year-old Boca Raton hotel worker was recently killed when the Jeep in which she was riding collided with a police cruiser. Reportedly, the young woman was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The crash caused the Jeep to tip over onto its side, pinning her beneath the vehicle. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Boca Raton Jeep operator was charged with driving under the influence, failure to use due care and the possession of a controlled substance (specifically, Xanax). He was treated for minor injuries at North Broward Medical Center. The police officer who was involved in the crash also received what were said to be minor injuries.

The accident occurred when the man lost control of his Jeep, struck a concrete median, and then hit the police car. He is being held without bond in the Broward Main Jail. The deceased woman's father, a Canadian resident, said he did not know the man who was with his daughter at the time of the accident. The father indicated that his daughter was always adamant about wearing her seat belt, and he finds the allegation that she was not wearing it confusing. His daughter is survived by two sons, ages 5 and six months. The children are now in the care of relatives.

Keeping apprised of the investigation into this accident will help the family when it comes time to decide if they will seek financial compensation. It appears that a legal basis exists to file a wrongful death claim against the Jeep driver for his negligent and perhaps reckless conduct. A wrongful death is said to occur when someone's negligence or intentional act causes the death of another party. While no legal action can bring back a lost loved one, the family may feel some solace in seeing that justice is served and that a message is sent to other Florida residents who may otherwise drive under the influence.

Source: sunsentinel.com, "Dad mourns daughter killed in police car crash," Mike Clary, Dec. 4, 2011