Wheelchair-Bound Man Struck and Killed by Truck in Tampa Bay Area
Wheelchair-bound individuals are particularly vulnerable to collisions for various reasons, and this became clear after a recent, deadly crash in the Tampa Bay Area. A man in a wheelchair lost his life after trying to cross the street, and he was struck and killed by a truck. What can you do if your family has experienced a similar loss? Is it possible to file a wrongful death claim in Tampa?
Wheelchair-Bound Man Was Crossing “Against the Signal”
Local police say the wheelchair-bound man was crossing against the signal when he moved into the crosswalk. In other words, he did not have the right of way. The truck hit the man when he reached the middle of the road, and the impact caused fatal injuries. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
While the wheelchair-bound man might not have had the right of way, this doesn’t make the accident any less tragic. In addition, it is important to remember that Florida follows a system of “comparative negligence.” Under this system, one can file a claim even if they were partially responsible for their own injuries.
In addition, Florida is a no-fault state. As a result, someone who causes their own injuries still has the right to file a claim against their own insurance policy. This shows that even after crossing the street illegally, it may still be possible to pursue compensation.
This was not the only deadly crash involving a wheeled vehicle in Tampa this week. The Tampa Police Department also responded to a fatal crash involving a cyclist on 50th Street. Very few details were released to the public, and it is not clear who (if anyone) caused the accident.
Can Families File Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Tampa Accidents?
After a fatal accident in Tampa, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim. This type of accident lawsuit is filed by family members on behalf of their deceased loved ones. A lawsuit of this nature can provide compensation for medical bills, lost future earnings, and funeral expenses.
That said, it may be necessary to prove fault if you want to proceed with a wrongful death claim. Proving negligence isn’t always easy, and this highlights the need for an experienced auto accident lawyer in Tampa.
Can a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer Help After a Fatal Collision?
If your family is grieving the loss of a loved one after a fatal collision, you might want to get in touch with an experienced auto accident lawyer in Tampa. These legal professionals may be able to help you hold negligent drivers accountable. This could lead to compensation for funeral expenses, unpaid medical bills, lost future earnings, and other damages. To learn more about these options, consider booking a consultation with Anderson & Anderson today.
Sources:
fox13news.com/news/deadly-crash-involving-bicycle-closes-stretch-busy-road-tampa
abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/fatal-accident-closes-parts-of-pinellas-park-road
