News: Man sentenced to prison for deadly DUI accident in Deerfield Beach

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL – A man has been sentenced to prison for a fatal car accident in Deerfield Beach in 2019, reports NBC Miami.

Raphael Candido Vilela of Boca Raton will spend 15 years behind bars and serve another 15 years probation under the sentence handed down Tuesday by a judge in Broward County.

Vilela pleaded guilty to charges including vehicular homicide, DUI and reckless driving in connection with the accident that occurred in the area of West Hillsboro Boulevard and Country Club Boulevard.

Authorities said Vilela was driving a BMW 530i at high speed on West Hillsboro Boulevard when he collided with a Tesla Model 3 making a turn at the intersection at about 4 a.m.

A passenger in the Tesla, 19-year-old Thais Haug, was killed in the wreck.  The driver of the Tesla sustained minor injuries.

Three other passengers in the Tesla and Vilela were hospitalized with serious injuries.  

If someone you love has died in a car accident caused by another driver’s improper conduct, the Hickey Law Firm stands ready to help you through the legal process during this difficult time. Our Miami wrongful death lawyers can help your family file a wrongful death lawsuit for the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us online, call 888-913-4296, or text 844-984-1937 to discuss your case with our dedicated legal team.