A pedestrian has died from injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run accident on State Road 70 in early November. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victim was a 60-year-old man from Bradenton.
Reports indicate the man had walked from the sidewalk on the south side of SR-70 into the center of the eastbound lane of the highway, and then laid down in the middle of the road. A vehicle heading east then struck the man and fled the scene of the accident. The man’s body was struck by a second vehicle driven by a 55-year-old woman, who stopped to call for help.
Law enforcement officers were investigating the accident further and are seeking more information on the driver who left the scene.
Hit and run a serious offense
So far, it appears as if the pedestrian was suffering from a mental illness, which could have contributed to his actions. However, even if that was the case, the driver who hit the man still had a responsibility to pull over and remain at the scene until police arrived. Leaving the scene of an accident involving an injury or death is a felony offense, which means that if found, the driver in question could face significant fines or jail time.
Pedestrian accidents are often very serious in nature, as people on foot do not have the same protection afforded to those inside motor vehicles. If you need legal assistance after an accident in Florida, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.