Residents in and around West Palm Beach are saddened to learn of the death of 68-year-old Maria Tolento on October 25 at an intersection that’s known to be dangerous, but is sometimes unavoidable.
“It’s terrible, people are trying to make left-hand turns out of Sunny and the guardrail over there by the canal is high and you can’t see,” said Betty Newlan. “And you hear squealing all hours of the night.” Via WPTV.com
“Didn’t surprise me at all, doesn’t surprise me and it’s sad cause now someone lost their life,” said Lisa Smith. Via WPTV.com
At approximately 7 a.m., Tolento was a passenger in a Ford Taurus that was headed south on Haverhill Road, looking to make a left turn onto Sunny Lane Avenue.
As the 69-year-old driver of the Taurus was beginning the left turn onto Sunny Lane Avenue, a Mitsubishi Montero driven by a 51-year-old man was driving north on Haverhill Road. The front of the Montero smashed into the passenger side of the Taurus–killing Tolento on impact.
The driver of the Taurus, whose potential relation to Tolento hasn’t been released, suffered serious injuries in the wreck. The driver of the Montero sustained minor injuries, and one passenger in his vehicle also suffered minor wounds.
This loss serves as another reminder of the dangers of that intersection, leaving the community to brainstorm what can be done to make it safer. According to at least one resident, the traffic in the area has increased, and it’s a popular place for students to congregate before they go to school.
The attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are saddened by Tolento’s death and our condolences go out to her family and loved ones. We’re also invested in seeing what solutions can be implemented to increase roadway safety in our community. In the event someone you know is hurt in a car accident, please call us at (561) 655-1990.
