A landscaper was recently struck by a car in a busy median in The Villages, a hit-and-run crash that left the man injured and the driver behind bars.
The collision occurred on a recent late afternoon at the entrance of Bridgeport at Laurel Valley on County Road 466, according to Villages-News. The landscaper was working along County Road 466 when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The 2022 Dodge Ram pickup did not stop, witnesses said.
A 25-year-old Summerfield man was arrested less than two days later and charged with the crash. The man reportedly told police officers he was looking into his right mirror and “felt his truck hit something.” He noticed damage to the driver’s side door of the pickup after stopping at Lake Sumter Landing.
The driver was booked at the Sumter County Detention Center and held on a $3,000 bond.
Sadly, hit-and-run collisions like this are all too common in The Villages and across Florida. That is despite the fact that state law requires drivers involved in crashes involving property damage, physical injury, or death to stop at the scene and report the collision to police.
More than 100,000 hit-and-run crashes occur statewide each year, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The collisions cause nearly 300 deaths and more than 800 serious injuries annually.
Last year, a Lady Lake woman was sentenced to three years in prison for mowing down two pedestrians walking along Rolling Acres Road in September 2022. A woman was killed in the hit-and-run collision, while the man with whom she was walking suffered serious injuries.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and people working on or near roadways are particularly vulnerable in these and other crashes. The risk increases significantly during overnight hours when visibility is low.
Legal Rights for People Injured in Florida Car Accidents
Anyone who is injured in a car accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash, including negligent drivers and their insurers.
The money damages available in these cases typically cover current and future medical expenses, as well as missed wages while recuperating, and long-term impact on the person’s ability to make a living are all on the table. Additional punitive damages may also be awarded in some cases involving particularly reckless behavior.
Hit and run crashes add a layer of complexity: You have to be able to track down the driver and prove that he or she was behind the wheel at the time of the collision. An experienced accident lawyer can help.
Speak With a Villages Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, golf cart or other accident, it is vital to seek the advice of an experienced injury attorney. Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield, and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages accident attorney.
