Pinellas County sheriff’s investigators have cited a pedestrian for contributing to a crash that resulted in the death of a motor scooter operator in St. Pete Beach last month.
The crash occurred at the intersection of 70th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach on Feb. 2.
According to investigators, the 18-year-old pedestrian was crossing Gulf Boulevard from east to west at the intersection of 70th Avenue, and was not utilizing a crosswalk when he walked into the path of a motor scooter that was being driven by a 72-year-old man.
The pedestrian collided with the man’s motor scooter causing the biker to lose control and fall to the ground.
The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The pedestrian sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash and refused medical attention.
The initial report indicated the man had suffered a heart attack following the crash. The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted their investigation and determined that the man’s death was caused by blunt trauma resulting from the crash. The manner in which he died was determined to be an accident.
The pedestrian received a Uniform Traffic Citation for failure to yield to the right of way for a vehicle.
Even though pedestrians do generally have the right-of-way, there are cases where they can be liable for a car accident. In a pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident, the pedestrian can actually be to blame, either wholly or partially.
The following are the most common scenarios under which a pedestrian may be found at least partially at fault for an accident involving a scooter or other type of vehicle:
- Jaywalking – crossing in the middle of the street, outside of a crosswalk
- Crossing against the traffic signal – in the crosswalk but against a red “Do Not Walk” command
- Entering a street or highway while intoxicated
- Walking along highways, bridges, or causeways where pedestrian access is prohibited.
If you or someone you care for has been involved in a scooter, pedestrian or any other type of auto accident, please call a Tampa Bay Auto Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton today at 727-823-0000 for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to assist with your potential claim.