Man Accused of Ramming Estranged Girlfriend's Car
This is no laughing matter. When a New Port Richey woman moved out of her boyfriend's residence to a friend's house, the boyfriend found her and rammed his Dodge Charger into her vehicle as she tried to drive away. The accident happened at about 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the 2900 block of State Rad 590. The woman recently moved out because of domestic violence. She was apparently not expecting the ex-boyfriend's presence at her friend's house. Matthew S. Tweel, 28, went to the friend's house in Safety Harbor, Florida. Tweel was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a vehicle and marijuana possession.
This case presents some unique circumstances for the personal injury client and lawyer. First, assuming that the former girlfriend is injured as she may be even though not being physically harmed, then she has a claim against her former boyfriend. However, most insurance companies have exclusions for intentional conduct. Thus, the boyfriend's insurance would only pay if the conduct were found to be negligent rather intentional. Oftentimes, defense counsel will advise the alleged intentional actor of the criminal consequences of making admissions of intent under oath. Further, the former girlfriend may have uninsured motorists coverage (UM). UM coverage is unique in that it cannot have an intentional act exclusion. Thus, if clearly intends to harm you with a vehicle, your UM carrier must provide you with the coverage that you have purchased from them.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact the personal injury attorneys of Moody Law in the greater Central Florida area, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Davenport, or Polk County, Florida for a free consultation.
