A 52-year-old man was tragically killed on Sunday, June 13th, when he was struck by a minivan on Gulf Boulevard, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported in a press release. The car vs. pedestrian accident was reported at 9:50 PM in front of 10182 Gulf Boulevard. The vehicle, a 2006 Dodge Caravan, was travelling southbound on the curb lane, and the victim was crossing the street from east to west, not within a designated crosswalk. He was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.
Our thoughts go out to the victim of this accident and their family. Losing a loved one suddenly and unexpectedly is heartbreaking and devastating.
Cause of the June 13th Pedestrian Accident
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). The press release stated the driver remained on scene and cooperated with law enforcement. Speed or alcohol impairment did not appear to be factors in the collision. Based on the very limited information available, it is unclear what happened.
Pedestrians Are Most Vulnerable – And Hardest to See – At Night
Pedestrian accidents account for 17% of all traffic-related fatalities, and many of these accidents happen after sunset and before sunrise. According to the CDC and NHTSA, the majority of fatal pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, at non-intersection locations, and at night. In summer months (June to August), more pedestrian fatalities occurred from 9 to 11:59 p.m. (34%) than any other time. At night, it is much more difficult for drivers to see objects (and people) outside of the direct line of sight. Many people have problems with night vision, and a wide range of health conditions can affect drivers’ ability to see.
Last month, Smart Growth America, a pedestrian safety organization, ranked Florida as the number one most deadly state in the country for pedestrians. The report cited 5,893 pedestrian fatalities in Florida from 2010 to 2019.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Every accident has unique circumstances and factors. When investigating a pedestrian accident, law enforcement will look at whether a driver could have and should have seen a pedestrian. If distraction, negligence or recklessness caused an accident, a driver may be fully or partially responsible for an accident. Even if a driver is not ticketed or charged, they may be liable for an injury or wrongful death.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Florida
If you or a loved one was involved in a Florida pedestrian accident, time is of the essence. Do not delay in contacting an experienced and qualified Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you understand and protect your legal rights. You may be entitled to seek financial compensation for your injuries or loved one’s wrongful death. Contact the Coleman Law Group to schedule your free case evaluation and get answers to your questions today. Your initial consultation is always free and with our contingency fee agreement – if we represent you, there are no legal fees unless we recover money for you.
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