A beloved Bradenton teacher and coach was killed and his wife injured in a recent St. Petersberg accident. The couple was crossing 3rd Street North at Central Avenue when they were hit by a car making a turn onto 3rd. The couple’s adult daughter, who was with them at the time, was not injured.
Eyewitnesses claim that the car was trying to beat a red light. The 23-year-old driver has not yet been charged, but is cooperating with the investigation. At this time, there is no indication beyond eyewitness testimony as to whether the driver was speeding.
Pedestrian accidents and driver liability
Both drivers and pedestrians are obligated to follow the rules of the road. For pedestrians, this typically means crossing at designated areas, following traffic signals, staying on sidewalks and refraining from darting into the street.
If either a pedestrian or a vehicle driver fail to follow the law and an accident results, the party breaking the law may be liable for negligence. To prove negligence, a plaintiff must show that the defendant had a duty of care to the defendant—such as the duty to follow laws and avoid causing harm—and they failed in that duty. As a result of the breach of duty, the plaintiff also must show they suffered actual harm, such as physical injury.
In this case, if the driver is found to have broken the law, such as speeding, or otherwise taken unnecessary risks, they will be held liable for the death and injuries that resulted. The damages may include medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and more.
When you’re injured in an accident, reach out to the experienced Manatee County, FL personal injury lawyers at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.