Attorney Rachael Gilmer of the Levin Papantonio (LP) law firm has released a statement regarding her client, a Molino, Florida, family that was involved in a devastating multi-vehicle accident on December 18, 2024, on Quintette Road. The collision involved a tanker truck, a passenger vehicle, and a logging truck. Tragically, the accident claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl and left her mother with serious injuries.
Cases like this are the hardest for me to handle emotionally, as I too am a mom and have children around this little girl’s age. But they are also the cases that ignite my passion to fight for justice and, in this case, safer roadways.
RACHAEL GILMER, ATTORNEY, LEVIN PAPANTONIO
The accident occurred as a tanker truck was stopped to make a left-hand turn. The family’s vehicle was stopped behind the tanker when a logging truck rear-ended them, crushing their car between the two trucks. The young girl, a passenger in the car, succumbed to her injuries, while her mother survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
“This tragedy is absolutely heartbreaking,” Gilmer said. “Cases like this are the hardest for me to handle emotionally, as I too am a mom and have children around this little girl’s age. But they are also the cases that ignite my passion to fight for justice and, in this case, safer roadways.”
The crash, which remains under investigation, highlights the critical need for increased vigilance and accountability on Florida’s roads, especially during the holiday season.
Importance of Roadway Safety During the Holidays
With the holiday season upon us, traffic volumes rise significantly as families travel to celebrate with loved ones. Unfortunately, this time of year also sees a spike in roadway accidents. Gilmer emphasizes the critical need for drivers to prioritize safety during this time.
“Roadway safety isn’t just a rule—it's a responsibility,” Gilmer said. “With the approaching holidays and more drivers on the road than usual, drive like lives depend on it. Because they do.”
To help keep everyone safe, Levin Papantonio offers the following holiday driving safety tips:
Holiday Driving Safety Tips
- Avoid Drowsy Driving: Get 7–9 hours of sleep before driving and take breaks during long trips. If you’re alone, pull over to rest when feeling fatigued.
- Say No to Drugged Driving: Check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure medications don’t impair your ability to drive. Avoid driving if you’ve consumed any illegal substances.
- Prevent Drunk Driving: Designate a sober driver, use rideshare services, or stay put if you’ve been drinking.
- Minimize Distractions: Store your phone out of reach, set navigation in advance, and focus solely on driving.
- Secure Pets and Passengers: Ensure animals are safely restrained and avoid unnecessary interactions with passengers.
- Be Weather Wise: Check weather conditions before heading out and adjust your driving to match road conditions.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Follow posted speed limits, wear your seatbelt, and avoid aggressive driving.
- Stay Alert: Watch for impaired or distracted drivers, especially during peak holiday travel times.
Accountability and Justice
As the Molino family grapples with the devastating loss of their daughter during the holidays, Gilmer vows to seek justice on their behalf.
“While the family will be left with the heartbreaking reality of presents under their tree that will never be opened, I will start the fight to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Gilmer stated. “At Levin Papantonio, we fight tirelessly to bring some measure of peace to grieving families and to prevent such heart-wrenching losses from happening to others.”
Ongoing Investigation
The accident remains under investigation. In the meantime, Gilmer and her team are focused on uncovering the truth and advocating for stronger roadway safety measures.
The Levin Papantonio law firm has been representing injured people across the globe since 1955.
About Levin Papantonio
The Levin Papantonio law firm has been representing injured people across the globe since 1955. The firm has gained national recognition as one of the most successful personal injury firms in the world and has been featured on CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, as well as Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and National Law Journal.
LP attorneys handle lawsuits throughout the country and have helped obtain more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements, litigating against some of the largest corporations in the world.
To interview Attorney Rachael Gilmer, contact Sara Stephens | sstephens@levinlaw.com | 281-744-6560.
