In the early hours of Friday morning, tragedy struck on Lillian Highway near Halcyon Circle in Escambia County, Florida. A 55-year-old man from Lillian lost his life in a head-on collision caused by an alleged drunk driver, identified by authorities as 20-year-old Wyatt Watson of Orange Beach.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Watson was driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) westbound on Lillian Highway at approximately 1:30 a.m. when he veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with the victim’s vehicle. The 55-year-old Lillian man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Watson was airlifted to a local hospital and later booked into Escambia County Jail on DUI manslaughter charges.

“Drunk driving shatters lives and devastates families,” said Pensacola attorney Rachael Gilmer. “At our firm, we are committed not only to helping victims seek justice but also to holding reckless drivers accountable—because every case we take is also a step toward making our roads safer for everyone.”

What Legal Options Does the Victim’s Family Have?

When a loved one is killed due to another driver’s negligence—particularly in cases involving drunk driving or DUI manslaughter—Florida law allows surviving family members to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. This type of civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal charges and can help the family recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses;
  
• Loss of companionship and support;
  
• Mental and emotional suffering;
  
• Loss of income or services the deceased would have provided; and
  
• Medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death;
  

Why Time Is of the Essence

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida is generally two years from the date of death. However, critical evidence—such as accident reconstruction data, toxicology reports, and witness statements—can become harder to obtain with time. It’s important that the victim’s family consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to preserve their rights.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Escambia County

At Levin Papantonio, we’ve helped families throughout Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, and Northwest Florida hold reckless drivers accountable for their actions. Our team is experienced in handling DUI-related wrongful death cases and can provide compassionate, aggressive representation during your time of loss.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been affected by this devastating crash, we encourage you to reach out. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case. Call us at 1-800-277-1193 or fill out our free case evaluation form to speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Escambia County today.