Caleb Suit Killed in Jacksonville DUI Accident
Christian Sotolongo, 28, arrested on DUI charges following fatal collision on Interstate 295
Caleb Suit, 36, of Jacksonville, was killed in a DUI crash on Interstate 295 near the San Jose exit in Jacksonville, Florida, on June 3, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Christian Sotolongo, 28, was arrested and charged with DUI after his BMW slammed into the victim's northbound white Ford Focus. Sotolongo told troopers a motorcycle cut him off, causing him to lose control of his vehicle.
Investigators noted Sotolongo had bloodshot, watery eyes and smelled of alcohol. He later admitted to driving from Walk-On's Sports Bar before the collision, troopers said.
Paramedics took the 36-year-old Army veteran to Orange Park Medical Center with severe brain injuries. He was placed on life support and later declared brain dead.
The crash remains under investigation.
Families of victims killed by impaired drivers often face overwhelming emotional and financial burdens while navigating the criminal justice system.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "In fatal DUI accidents, the criminal proceedings against the at-fault driver run parallel to the family's right to pursue civil accountability. Independent investigations often reveal a broader web of liability, including where the driver was served alcohol prior to the collision."
What are the legal options for DUI crash victims in Duval County?
When a driver admits to consuming alcohol at a specific establishment before a crash, investigators examine whether the business violated liquor liability laws.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, added that "Dram shop laws allow families to hold bars or restaurants accountable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who later caused a fatal crash. Securing receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from the establishment is a time-sensitive priority."
How common are fatal DUI collisions on Interstate 295?
Interstate 295 is a heavily traveled corridor where high speeds and impaired driving frequently intersect. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, alcohol is a confirmed factor in hundreds of fatal crashes across the state each year, leaving families to handle the sudden loss of a provider and loved one.
Florida wrongful death and dram shop statutes
Under Florida's wrongful death statute (F.S. § 768.16-768.26), surviving family members may pursue a civil claim against an at-fault driver whose negligence or impairment resulted in a death. In cases involving intoxicated drivers, Florida's dram shop law (F.S. § 768.125) also permits liability against establishments that knowingly serve alcohol to a person habitually addicted to the use of alcoholic beverages. Bond noted that "Wrongful death claims in DUI cases provide a vital mechanism for families to secure compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of future financial support, independent of the criminal court's outcome."
Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. Because evidence such as bar surveillance video, receipts, and toxicology reports can disappear quickly, prompt preservation of these records is critical for establishing both driver and establishment liability.