A teenager from Pinellas Park died Monday, June 25 after reportedly being struck by a vehicle while crossing Park Boulevard. The 18-year-old died from his injuries at the scene.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. at the intersection of 78th St. North and Park Boulevard. According to state troopers, the man was crossing the street in a pedestrian crosswalk when the accident occurred. The vehicle was a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 31-year-old woman from Mulberry. According to police, the woman simply failed to see the man crossing the street.
No further information was immediately publicized in relation to the accident.
Liability in pedestrian accidents
In most pedestrian accident cases, the driver of the vehicle is liable for any accidents and resulting injuries or fatalities. This is especially true when the victim crosses the street in a crosswalk. Unless that crosswalk is controlled with traffic signals and the victim has a “don’t walk” sign, the pedestrian will always have the right of way when crossing the street in a crosswalk. The driver failing to see the pedestrian is not a valid defense that will help them avoid liability in the accident.
When a pedestrian accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek damages from the party at fault.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, seek legal assistance from a skilled Bradenton personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.