South Florida Personal Injury Blog

SUNRISE – In a one-car accident on October 23, Irving Liss, an 88-year-old resident of Sunrise, drove his car into a Sunrise Lakes condominium. Mr. Liss had been notified earlier in October by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that his driver’s license was revoked. His license had already been suspended in 2006 because he had failed his driver’s examination.

Liss’ 83-year-old wife, Estelle, was a passenger in the car when Liss drove their blue Chrysler 300 sedan into their designated parking space in the condominium lot. Liss then lost control of the vehicle, jumping the curb and knocking down two balcony supports. Mr. Liss told police that his leg had fallen asleep, which may have caused his foot to press the gas pedal rather than the brake.

The damage created an unsafe condition at the building, causing nine units to be ordered evacuated by the Sunrise Fire-Rescue Department. The American Red Cross offered emergency assistance to the displaced residents.

Firefighters stabilized the balcony with temporary steel supports from the first to second floors. The three-story condominium is located at 8880 Sunrise Lakes Blvd. and contains 36 units. It was unknown how long it would take to repair the building or how long before residents would be able to move back into their condos.

No serious injuries were reported, but Liss and his wife were taken to Westside Regional Hospital where they were treated for minor personal injuries. Charges against Mr. Liss are pending.