A traffic accident that occurred in May still has yet to be closed, the result of an ongoing investigation that is taking months. According to officials, on that day, a Pensacola man driving a Toyota Tacoma truck left the road and crashed his vehicle into the home of a 52-year-old woman. The woman died as a result of her injuries. At this time, officials have released no information as to whether there was any trace of drugs or alcohol in the man’s system, though they do state that they have sent toxicology samples to the University of Florida for lab tests.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma is currently waiting to hear the charges against him. Whether or not drugs and alcohol are involved will be a large factor in his trial. If they are not, he will be charged with vehicular homicide. This type of charge indicates gross negligence in the operation of a vehicle, causing the death of another. It would be appropriate in any case where there is reckless operation of a vehicle, with no regard for the safety of others.
Traffic accidents are a common site on Florida’s streets and highways, including severe accidents. Thousands of injury accidents send people to the hospital in the state of Florida every year, and many of those people aren’t even in a vehicle at the time of the incident. Officials estimate that the number of pedestrian deaths related to auto accidents this year will be nearly 500 in the state of Florida, even though the year over year numbers are on the decline. Most of these deaths occur while persons are walking along a busy highway or stopped due to a vehicle breakdown.
Clearly, any activity that puts a person near the flow of high-speed traffic is dangerous. It is important to take the proper precautions if you know you will be walking or working along a busy street. Wearing reflective clothing and walking facing the direction of traffic are two ways to make yourself more visible to motorists. If your car breaks down, stand off to the side at least 30 feet while waiting for help, or wait inside the vehicle if the road does not have a shoulder. Any actions you can take to keep yourself out of the flow of traffic and protected somewhat will decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact us today at 386-243-4994.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, call at (386) 243-4994.
Verdicts & Settlements
- Rear End Car Accident:
$3.75 Million Recovery - Semi-Truck Accident:
$1.5 Million Recovery - Van Rollover:
$1.2 Million Wrongful Death Recovery - Rear End Bus Accident:
$775,000.00 Recovery - Truck Collides with Cow:
$500,000.00 Recovery