A wrongful death suit has been filed against the man driving the car in which “Dr. Vodka” died.
The wife of the man known as “Dr. Vodka” filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the Lamborghini her husband was riding in when he died. Solange Sandy Lloyd, a former Broadway actress, filed the lawsuit against Andres Esteban Toro on behalf of herself and her two children (1, 5). Accident Details Dr. Malcolm Lloyd had flown to Miami to meet with Toro who was expressing interest in investing in Lloyd’s company. Lloyd, a Dartmouth Medical School graduate, founded Old Nassau Imports and a vodka brand known as Double Cross Vodka, which earned him his nickname. He and Toro spent the evening at South Beach’s Versace Mansion before dining at Casa Tua Restaurant. The mansion now houses a luxury bar and restaurant known as The Villa. The two were driving across MacArthur Causeway at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour when the car struck an idle SUV at a red light in Palm Island. Witnesses reported that Toro did not attempt to brake for the red light and was attempting to change lanes when he struck the SUV. Lloyd was killed and the driver of the SUV, Raul Alfonzo, was seriously injured. The wrongful death lawsuit reports that police say Toro had a blood alcohol content of .173 (more than twice the legal limit), at least 40 minutes after the crash. Manslaughter Charges In addition the wrongful death suit he faces, Toro has also been charged with DUI Manslaughter charges. Toro, who owns a printing and graphics company, was arraigned on May 20 and pled not guilty to DUI Manslaughter and DUI Serious Bodily Injury charges. At the arraignment, two other charges – Damage to Property/Persons and Reckless Driving with Severe Injury – were added. If convicted, he could face up to 21 years in prison. Family’s Grief At the news conference announcing the wrongful death suit, Mrs. Lloyd’s attorney held a picture of Dr. Lloyd, his wife and their two sons, Nicholas and Maxwell. The attorney said that Dr. Lloyd’s funeral was held on his son Maxwell’s birthday. Dr. Lloyd’s sister April Harb expressed anger at Toro, asking how he could have gotten behind the wheel after drinking so heavily. When the negligence of another person is suspected as the cause or contributing factor in a car accident that causes injury or death, a wrongful death claim may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an auto accident where injuries may have been caused or worsened by someone else’s negligence. For more information, please visit our website at www.FrenkelFirm.com.