A pedestrian was killed in a Manatee County traffic accident in the early hours of Saturday, September 10, according to information from the Florida Highway Patrol.
The victim was a 62-year-old man in a wheelchair who was in the westbound lane of 301 Boulevard East. At that time, a 21-year-old Bradenton woman driving a Kia Optima struck the wheelchair-bound man with the front left side of her vehicle, apparently failing to notice him. The man died at the scene. Neither the driver nor either of her two passengers, a 23-year-old man and a two-year-old boy, suffered any injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol says alcohol was not a factor. It is still unclear why the man in the wheelchair was in the middle traffic, as nothing seems to indicate he was attempting to cross the street at the time of the crash.
Pedestrian accidents are typically the driver’s fault
In most situations, a pedestrian accident is considered to be the fault of the driver. All motorists are expected to stay vigilant and adjust their speed for any pedestrians or other hazards in the road. Pedestrians are expected to use crosswalks at all times, but even when they do not, drivers still must slow down and avoid hitting them if at all possible.
Motorists are not always liable in pedestrian accidents, however. There are some circumstances in which drivers cannot reasonably be expected to avoid hitting people, especially if a pedestrian has darted into traffic or was in a prohibited area, such as a freeway.
To learn more about issues of liability surrounding Florida pedestrian accidents and your legal options if you’ve suffered injuries due to the negligence of another party, contact a knowledgeable Bradenton personal injury lawyer with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.