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Hernando Today

Victim sues family of hit-and-run driver who killed himself

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: June 26, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - A lawsuit seeks damages from the family of an 18-year-old driver who killed himself after hitting a woman with a car.
The plaintiff, Alicia Anderson, is also suing the convenience store that allegedly sold alcohol to Andrew Altringer the night he died, Feb. 5.
Anderson was walking along Meinhart Avenue, west of Sunshine Grove Road, when she was struck from behind by a 2008 Mazda.
Altringer, a popular Central High School student, didn't stop to render assistance, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The lawsuit makes a direct link between Anderson's injuries and Altringer's "intoxication," saying the car was "negligently operated."
Anderson managed to crawl off the roadway to a nearby neighbor's house, where medical help was summoned. She was flown to Tampa General Hospital for serious injuries to her head.
Anderson was visiting from Massachusetts with her young son at the time of the crash. Her parents could not be reached for comment Thursday. Anderson's attorney, T.R. Unice Jr. of Palm Harbor, was in trial and also unavailable for comment.
About an hour later, Inglis police in Levy County clocked the Mazda traveling 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. The car was pulled over. As officers approached the vehicle they heard "a loud gun shot," according to a report.
Altringer was alone in the car, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River, where he was pronounced dead.
The honor student was a member of the National Guard's 690th Military Police Co. and planned to enter the U.S. Army after graduation.
A message left at the home of Altringer's parents was not returned Thursday.
The lawsuit claims that Altringer and his passenger, 17-year-old Kyle Case, were sold alcohol at the Chevron gas station at 2109 Commercial Way, near the Spring Hill Drive intersection. It names the corporation and the franchisee, Afreen Inc., as defendants.
A message left with the Chevron's property owner was not returned Thursday.
It also names the registered owner of the Mazda, Altringer's mother, Ann Wagner, as a defendant. The lawsuit states she is "vicariously liable" for what happened under Florida's Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine.
Adopted in 1920 and unique to Florida, the doctrine holds the owner of a vehicle responsible for the negligent driving of a third party.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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