South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
An elderly pedestrian was killed after she was hit by two vehicles in a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident. The woman was walking home from a friend’s house, heading across West Davie Boulevard, when she was hit by the first vehicle. After being hit the first time, a second vehicle ran over her as she was lying on the road, according to 7NEWS. Reports indicate that the first driver remained at the scene of the accident, but the second driver fled after getting out of his vehicle for a brief moment. The 70-year-old pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The victim’s family is hoping that the second driver’s conscience will tell him to do the right thing and turn himself in. Officers are asking residents for any information. They’re searching for a silver F-150. The driver has been described as an elderly man and witnesses report he had gray hair and was wearing a white shirt. If you have information, please call Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
“I would tell this gentleman, picture your mother laying on the floor and she’s been struck by a car and somebody hit her for a second time and looking at her and driving away. How would you feel?” said the victim’s son.
Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers understand the obstacles that elderly residents face in the city. Unfortunately, many of these obstacles can produce deadly results, like fatal pedestrian accidents. Our city was designed for fast-moving traffic. Studies have proven than elderly residents need more time to cross the street. It’s just a fact of life. What’s sad is that motorists in the area aren’t being courteous and aren’t offering these elderly pedestrians with the time and compassion they need. Motorists and pedestrians, both young and old, are asked to travel safely and to travel together. With teamwork, we can help to reduce the risks of these kinds of accidents.
“We’re going to see lots more people living to 85 and beyond,” said David Goldberg of Transportation for America. “The impact of having designed our communities so totally around being able to drive for your every need is going to be felt in a very significant way.”
According to Transportation For America, people over the age of 64 account for less than 13 percent of the country’s population. Still, these residents account for more than 20 percent of pedestrian fatalities.
We can only expect that number to grow. As the near 80 million Baby Boomers graduate to that 65 and older age group, we’re going to see more elderly pedestrians on our roadways. As a matter of fact, the 2010 census predicts that the growth in the percentage of middle-aged and elderly people will be much higher than those of 45-years-old and younger. By at least 2030, officials predict that the 65 and older age group will account for about 20 percent of the country’s population.
Just as children, these elderly residents need more caution and care. This is especially important when they’re walking or biking near vehicular traffic. Help to keep our grandparents safe and practice safe, cautious and courteous driving habits on our roadways.
If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Wellington or elsewhere in South Florida, contact Freeman, Mallard, Gonzalez & Sharp to discuss your rights. Call us for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Two Injured in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 29, 2012
Pedestrian Accident in North Fort Pierce Kills 60-Year-Old Woman, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 28, 2012