The death of a teenager in Wildwood highlights the safety threats facing pedestrians across the region.
A 16-year-old boy recently died after being struck by a car on State Road 44 in Wildwood, Villages-News reports. He reportedly was crossing the road near County Road 229 when a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck collided with him.
Police said at the time that they were still investigating the cause of the Wildwood crash. It was unclear whether the 21-year-old Tacoma driver would be charged in connection with the collision.
More than 12,200 pedestrian crashes occurred statewide in 2024, the most recent year for which annual statistics are available, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. More than 700 pedestrians died in traffic collisions in 2024, while another 1,350 were seriously injured.
An Ocala man was killed in February after being hit by two different cars while walking near The Villages. The 64-year-old man was walking along the shoulder of County Road 475 when he attempted to cross the highway north of County Road 466, according to Villages-News.
A Villages man was similarly killed in late 2024 when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle while crossing U.S. 301. He reportedly had just left a bar when the accident occurred around 10:45 p.m.
The vast majority of pedestrian fatalities occur during overnight hours, according to the FHMSV. Visibility is often poor during this time because there is little or no natural light. Pedestrians can be difficult to spot, especially if they are not on crosswalks, sidewalks, or other designated areas.
Still, negligent drivers are often to blame for these accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and hitting the road while intoxicated are common factors in deadly crashes.
Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
Anyone who is injured in a traffic accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the collision. In the tragic situation that a person dies in a pedestrian crash, his or her loved ones have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Florida law allows grieving family members to seek compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s earnings and companionship, as well as for mental anguish and suffering, medical and funeral expenses.
No amount of money will ever allow you to go back in time and stop a fatal accident from happening. Compensation can, however, help ease some of the financial burden that often comes with losing a loved one.
Speak With a Villages Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic or other accident, it is important 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.
