Hit-and-Run Accidents

Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham is following developments in a recent pedestrian accident that seriously injured two women walking in downtown Orlando. A spokesperson with the Orlando Police Department reports that the two women were walking near the intersection of Colonial Drive and Edgewater Drive shortly after 4 p.m. on October 25 when they were struck by a car. The women were taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, and Orlando Police have launched a full investigation into the accident.

The police are withholding most details while their investigation continues and are reportedly trying to determine why the driver of the car crossed four lanes of traffic to strike the pedestrians. Police say the women were standing on a sidewalk when a car of unknown make and color veered through traffic and struck them. An article in the Orlando Sentinel about the accident did not state whether or not the driver remained at the scene or fled to avoid taking responsibility for his or her actions.

Sadly, accidents like this only add to the Orlando metropolitan area’s reputation as the country’s most dangerous place for pedestrians. Readers of this blog know very well that Florida in general and our area in particular lead the nation in numbers of people killed and injured in pedestrian accidents. Experts cite a combination of circumstances that contribute to this sorry distinction, such as lack of sidewalks, an infrastructure built specifically for automobiles, drivers who are ignorant of state laws, busy roadways, wide intersections and others. Despite local efforts to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and increase the number of sidewalks and other safety measures, much remains to be done to make area roadways safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Perhaps most distressing of all are recent reports of some drivers who deliberately try to intimidate walkers and bicyclists by driving too closely to them, braking suddenly, trying to run them off the road and other aggressive acts. If you or a close family member has been struck and injured in a pedestrian accident and you would like to speak with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney, call James O. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000. Mr. Cunningham has a proven record of success helping injured people receive the fair and just compensation they deserve and gives each client and case the individual attention they deserve. Call today to get an aggressive Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer on your side!

Central Florida News reported that a hit-and-run accident on September 6 sent a woman to the hospital with critical injuries, and the woman’s family is pleading with the public for help in finding the driver who fled the scene. According to law enforcement officials investigating the accident, the head-on accident occurred before 3 a.m. and witnesses were unable to provide a positive description of the vehicle involved.

The 35-year-old Orlando victim was reportedly riding her motorcycle on West Colonial Drive near the intersection of Emeralda Drive when a car hit her head-on, resulting in the woman suffering critical injuries. She was treated at Orlando Regional Medical Center and was reportedly alert and talking to family and friends. The Orlando hit-and-run accident victim told family members that the impact sent her flying into the car’s windshield. She said that the car’s driver then reached through the broken glass, pushed her off the hood and then fled the scene of the accident.

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