Tampa Teenager Killed in Car Crash
Apr 27, 2013
Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) April 26, 2013 – A teenage Tampa woman was killed in an auto accident on Interstate 10 in Jefferson County.
Amanda Pierce, 18, was driving her 2001 Acura westbound toward Tallahassee with her friend, Taylor Lazzara, 18, in the passenger seat. Pierce came upon stopped traffic, the result of two earlier crashes. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Pierce swerved to avoid the cars, went into a slide on the shoulder, and collided with a tree.
Tampa personal injury attorney Robert Joyce commented, “This tragedy is a reminder of how important it is to be diligent about safety. Our roads claim too many lives.”
Both women were wearing seat belts and alcohol was not a factor according to the FHP. Lazzara survived the car accident with minor injuries, but Pierce suffered a severe blow to the head and passed away the following morning.
The two, both seniors at Plant High School, had just begun spring break. They were headed to Tallahassee to visit Pierce’s sister, Jessica, 19, a student at Florida State University. Pierce planned to enroll in Tallahassee Community College this fall and wanted to see what housing options were available.
Pierce was highly regarded among her friends. She worked with children ages 10 to 14 at St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School in an after-school program. She also volunteered at a nonprofit called Best Buddies that pairs high school students in mentoring relationships with disabled children.
Caroline Medina, a Best Buddies liaison to Plant High School, told the Tampa Bay Times that Pierce had been with the program for three years and exceeded expectations. She said Best Buddies schedules group activities twice each month, but Pierce spent extra time with her buddies. Pierce’s partner Kaitlyn had formed a special bond with Pierce and was distraught over the news, Medina said.
The night following the accident, friends and family of Pierce held an impromptu memorial for Pierce on Davis Island. They shared stories about Pierce and released balloons.
To learn more or to contact a Tampa personal injury attorney at the Joyce & Reyes Law Firm, P.A. visit http://www.joyceandreyespa.com/ or call 1.888.771.1529.
Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A.
307 S Hyde Park Ave,
Tampa, FL 33606
Call: 813.251.2007
