Photo by: local10
A couple says they are grateful to be alive after a hit-and-run crash sent their car into a pond in Orange County.
The crash happened Saturday night near the intersection of Central Florida Parkway and West Taft Vineland Road.
Mya Caetano and Sam Andrews were driving through the area when, they say, another vehicle suddenly appeared and struck them.
“We shouldn’t even be talking to you right now. It’s incredible,” Caetano said.
Caetano said the moments leading up to the crash happened quickly.
“All of a sudden, I see this car just hit us. Like, I saw the lights and everything, and it was like slow motion, but it was literally like that. We were in the water,” she said.
The impact caused their car to spin several times before hitting a pole and rolling backward into a pond, according to the couple.
“Once we were rolling backwards, I just hopped out of the car. My fight or flight took over, and he was stuck in the car, and … he dragged himself out,” she said.
Andrews said he had to struggle to get out of the submerged vehicle.
“I had to crawl out. My whole head went under. Everything, everything went under. I was soaked,” he said.
The couple’s Yorkshire terrier, Tinky, was also inside the car and needed to be rescued.
“She was swimming the wrong way. I had to jump in and grab her,” Caetano said.
Caetano and Andrews said they were in the process of moving back to Rhode Island, and their car was filled with belongings that were lost in the crash.
“We had, like, everything in the car. Everything you can think of, we lost. [Andrews] lost mostly everything,” Caetano said.
One item was recovered — a damaged Bible, the couple said, was found nearby.
“We had something protecting us. Only thing that came out of the car,” Andrews said.
The vehicle that hit them, described as a white SUV, left the scene without stopping. A witness was able to record the license plate number, according to the couple. They hope the driver is held accountable.
“That someone would just take off like that and wouldn’t even see if we’re okay … no concept for a human life or nothing,” Caetano said.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact FHP or Crimeline.
The couple has also created a GoFundMe to help them return to Rhode Island.
Legal Help After a Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run accident can leave victims feeling frustrated, injured, and unsure of where to turn. When a negligent driver flees the scene, medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages can quickly pile up. Ovadia Law Group is dedicated to helping hit and run accident victims understand their legal rights and pursue compensation. Their experienced personal injury attorneys handle these complex cases by investigating available evidence, reviewing police reports, and exploring insurance coverage options such as uninsured motorist claims. Even when the at-fault driver is not immediately identified, victims may still be entitled to financial recovery. Ovadia Law Group works aggressively on behalf of clients to make sure no avenue for compensation is overlooked. If you or a loved one were injured in a hit and run crash, professional legal guidance can make a major difference. Call Ovadia Law Group at 1‑800‑674‑9396 for a free consultation today.
Source: wesh
