Pedestrian Dies After Accident on Southside Boulevard

A 24-year-old man was struck by a vehicle while he was walking to work along Southside Boulevard in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 19.

The accident occurred at approximately 2:40 a.m. at the intersection of Southside Boulevard and Square Lake Boulevard, right in front of the Avenues Mall Home Depot. According to officials from the Florida Highway Patrol, a 50-year-old man was heading south on Southside Boulevard when he struck the victim (who was from Carson, California) with his Toyota Camry. The driver remained at the scene and attempted to provide assistance to the victim while waiting for  first responders to arrive.

The victim was transported to UF Health Jacksonville, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Pedestrian accidents typically the fault of driver

Police officials did not provide any information as to whether the driver or pedestrian was at fault in the accident. Given the way pedestrian accident law works in most states, the driver is usually the one who is deemed responsible, however.

Any time a pedestrian is walking in a crosswalk, motorists are responsible for yielding. Even if the pedestrian is not crossing at a crosswalk (which is illegal), drivers are responsible for noticing the person is in the road and taking appropriate measures to slow down or otherwise avoid hitting them, as long as there is reasonable time to do so.

Pedestrians and motorists alike are reminded to stay alert at all times. Pedestrians are encouraged to not use their cell phones or other devices while crossing their street so that all of their attention is focused on their surroundings. “Distracted walking” has become an increasing concern in recent years, likely due to the prevalence of mobile devices demanding individuals’ attention.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another party, consult a skilled Jacksonville personal injury attorney at Combs Greene, PA.

 

Attorney Mark Link contributed to this blog post.