Fatal Accident On U.S. 41 Near Road In Venice Kills One, Injures Two

 A serious accident just outside of the Spanish Lakes community on U.S. 41 resulted in a woman fro Venice being killed and two more being injured.

Florida Highway patrol stated the crash happened on Saturday afternoon when 81 year old Ralph Van Brunt and 76 year old Joy Van Brunt attempted to turn into Spanish Lakes drive from the Southbound lanes.

As the Toyota coupe they were driving cut across both lanes of traffic it ran directly into the path of a northbound F250 being driven by 48 year old Margaret  Niklas of Arcadia.

The larger heavy-duty pickup truck crashed into the Toyota just outside Spanish Lakes.

Joy Van Brunt was pronounced dead after being flown to Blake Medical Center and Ralph Van Brunt was brought o Venice Medical Center with serious injuries.

17 year-old Marie Niklas, riding in the F250 was also hurt in the crash and taken to Venice Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

Florida Highway Patrol reported all involved had been wearing seat belts and that the driver of the Toyota had violated right-of-way.

About the Author

Bernie Walsh

Education Bernard F. Walsh graduated from the University of South Florida before receiving his law degree from Cumberland School of Law in 1978. During law school, he was selected to serve as a research clerk and intern for a Federal Judge and the U.S. Attorney's Office. He was awarded The National Book Awards for Constitutional Law and Professional Responsibility during law school. Experience Bernard Walsh devoted the next three years to trial work for the State of Florida. This provided him with the opportunity to concentrate on his trial abilities, with numerous high profile trials concerning serious felony crimes. Since 1982, he has exclusively practiced personal injury law and helped accident victims in and beyond Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Florida. Mr. Walsh has been listed in Avvo, an attorney rating site, as Superb. LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell, an attorneys rating publication, has rated Mr. Walsh as very high legal ability and ethical standards. Mr. Walsh is listed in National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and was inducted into Southern Trial Lawyers Association. He has also won the largest playground recoveries, one of the top three motorcycle recoveries, and the second largest daycare center recovery in the State of Florida. He is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is a group of attorneys who have achieved career case successes that include multi-million dollar recoveries, settlements and/or verdicts.