South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
A recent accident in St. Lucie County between a van and a 14-year-old pedestrian ended fatally, according to the TC Palm.
Officers report that they believe that the 53-year-old driver of that van may have been under the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the accident. It all happened on Palm Drive. The van driver slammed into the young pedestrian and then reportedly attempted to leave the scene of the accident. Luckily, there were witnesses who followed the driver and officers were later able to apprehend him.
One of the reports concludes that officers are investigating the accident as a “negligent manslaughter,” but other sources are reported that the sheriff’s office has not “decided that the motorist will be charged with negligent manslaughter.”
Our St. Lucie pedestrian accident attorneys understand that young pedestrians are at some serious risks for accidents on our roadways. These young travelers don’t always understand the workings and the dangers that are associated with motor vehicle traffic. As kids are celebrating their summer breaks away from school it’s important for parents and guardians to talk with their young ones about these risks. You can help to keep them out of harm’s way by talking with them about safe traveling habits, whether they’re walking or biking. Teach them safe pedestrian habits now. They’re habits they can carry with them for a lifetime.
“Due to the suspicion of Mcinerney’s impairment being chemical in nature, it was decided that charges would be pending until the results of the toxicology report of his blood draw were complete,” said one of the accident reports. These kinds of tests can take weeks.
The number of pedestrian accidents across our state are increasing with each passing year. Florida continues to lead the nation as the state with the most pedestrian accidents. Recent statistics illustrate that there was a near 10 percent increase in the number of pedestrian accidents from 2009 to 2010.
Young Pedestrian Safety Tips:
-When crossing the road, be sure to do so at a street corner or at a crosswalk.
-Always look both ways before starting to cross the road.
-Never allow a child under the age of 10 to walk near motor vehicles without a supervising adult.
-Always wear bright clothing to help make sure that motorists see you.
-When there are sidewalks nearby use them.
-When there are no sidewalks, walk away from traffic and walk facing oncoming traffic.
-Never dart out into the road from near parked cars. Motorists may not see you.
-Always make eye contact with nearby drivers before crossing the street to make sure that they see you.
-Avoid walking at night, but if you have to then carry a flashlight.
If you or your child has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Wellington or elsewhere throughout the South Florida area, contact Freeman, Mallard, Gonzalez & Sharp to discuss your case. Call us today to set up a free consultation at 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Turnpike Accident in Tamarac Kills Pedestrian, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, June 9, 2012
Two Injured in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 29, 2012