A 58-year-old man tragically died last week, 3 days after being struck by an elderly driver having a medical emergency, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The accident occurred on Tuesday, April 20th, on the northbound Interstate 275 exit ramp onto East Fletcher Avenue. The man was walking along the left shoulder of the ramp, when for unknown reasons, an 84-year-old driver lost control of her vehicle and struck the man, and then crashed into a sign. Further details were not available, and the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts go out to all involved in this crash. Losing a loved one unexpectedly is heartbreaking and devastating.
Liability For Accidents Caused By A Sudden Medical Emergency
Law enforcement is reviewing the cause of the accident. If a driver is negligent and causes an accident, they may be liable for resulting injuries or the wrongful death of a victim of a fatal accident. However, if a driver has a sudden and unexpected medical event, this may be a defense. Liability issues for medical event accidents can be complicated. If a driver has a known health condition and it was foreseeable that they could have a medical event, they may be considered negligent for driving and be liable for injuries or death.
Many seniors have medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, respiratory diseases, which can put them at higher risks for medical emergencies while driving. Some seniors take medications without knowing the side effects the medications may have on their ability to drive. It is important for senior drivers and their loved ones to determine when it is no longer safe to continue driving. Many accidents involving senior drivers are preventable.
Accidents Involving Senior Drivers In Florida
In 2019, Spectrum News 13 reported on a concerning trend: a sharp increase in fatal crashes involving drivers 65 years old and older. A study published by the Florida Department of Transportation revealed drivers age 65 and older are two times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than any other age group of drivers.
Fatal and injury crashes involving elderly drivers are common in Florida. If you are involved in a collision, you should report the accident, collect witness information, and take photos and videos of the crash scene and damage. As soon as possible, get medical treatment for your injuries and complete follow-up care with your doctor. Your medical treatment is an important part of your personal injury claim and recovering fair compensation for your injuries.
Speak to a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident
Accident victims or their families are always well-advised to contact a lawyer as soon as possible following an accident. The Coleman Law Group is dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and ensuring they receive the fair compensation they are entitled to. Before you accept any compensation from an insurance company, contact us to discuss your legal rights and options. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions and review your case. If we represent you, we will not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you. Call us at (877) 822-9292.
