A Pedestrian was killed in a crash in downtown Tampa, WTSP News reported. The crash occurred at the intersection of N. Ashley Drive and E. Whiting Street, just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 13th.
The victim was taken to a hospital where they died. Very few other details were available about the Accident. The news photo of the crash scene provided by the Tampa Police department showed a taped-off crosswalk at the intersection, but it was unclear if the pedestrian was in a crosswalk when they were struck. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts go out to the family members of the victim of this accident. Losing a loved one unexpectedly in a traffic collision is devastating and shocking.
Pedestrians Are Vulnerable At Intersections
According to the Federal Highway Administration, intersecting roadways and paths create dangerous conflict points where crashes can occur. Roughly 25% of traffic fatalities and about 50% of traffic collision injuries result in intersections.
Signalized Intersection Fatalities Statistics
An estimated one-third of all intersection fatalities occur at signalized intersections. The Federal Highway Administration reported that in 2018, there were 792 pedestrian fatalities involving a signalized intersection. The previous year, in 2017, there were 800 pedestrian fatalities involving a signalized intersection. According to the agency, a large proportion of fatal accidents at signalized intersections involve red-light running.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Often Catastrophic or Fatal
Without the protection offered by a vehicle, or even protective equipment such as that worn by motorcyclists, pedestrians are vulnerable to severe injury or fatality anytime they are struck by a vehicle. For pedestrians that survive, injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and catastrophic spinal cord injuries are common.
What Are Florida’s Pedestrian Laws?
Under Florida Statute 316.130, pedestrians must obey traffic control signals at intersections. Even in a crosswalk, a pedestrian cannot just walk into traffic against control signals. Drivers of vehicles must stop “to allow a pedestrian, with a permitted signal, to cross a roadway when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk or steps into the crosswalk and is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.”
Liability for Pedestrian Accident Injury or Wrongful Death
After an accident, family members of victims are well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Tampa Pedestrian Accident lawyer as soon as possible. If a driver is responsible for an accident, they may be held liable in a wrongful death lawsuit. A skilled attorney can help the victims recover the maximum financial compensation they are entitled to for their devastating loss.
Get a Free Consultation With a Tampa Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The Coleman Law Group offers a free consultation to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights following a Tampa pedestrian accident. Founder Constance D. Coleman has represented victims and their families for more than a decade and understands the far-reaching impact of the loss of a family member. If you would like to discuss a potential case, contact us today at (877) 822-9292. Your case evaluation is free and we are only paid if we recover money for you.
The post Pedestrian Tragically Struck and Killed March 13th in Downtown Tampa appeared first on Personal Injury Law | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater.
