An unidentified woman was struck three times by three different motor vehicles on a recent Sunday morning in Orlando and died as a result of her injuries, according to Florida Highway Patrol investigators.
The pedestrian apparently was walking across Orange Blossom Trail near 39th Street at approximately 3:30 a.m. when she was hit by a vehicle driven by a 49-year-old man. The man got out of his vehicle to check on the victim but eventually fled the scene. He was later arrested by the Highway Patrol.
One motorist from Maryland stopped to help the woman but a second vehicle, a Ford Taurus driven by a woman, struck the Maryland motorist’s open car door and the injured pedestrian. That motorist also left the scene. Police are seeking any information from the public on her identity and location.
A third vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old Orland woman also struck the pedestrian, but that driver stayed at the scene.
The fatally injured woman had not been in a marked crosswalk or intersection. It is not known if she was pronounced dead at the scene or whether she had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Motorists who exhibit negligent behavior — driving while talking on cell phones or texting, driving under the influence and disregarding traffic rules and regulations such as speeding — can be held liable by a wrongful death suit.
Typically, wrongful death suits seek to recover damages from those parties who are responsible for injuries, death and property damage and destruction. Certainly the loss of a loved one will never be made up for by recovered finances, but the compensation can help a victim’s estate cover outstanding medical, legal and funeral expenses. The suit may also seek damages for loss of companionship or loss of parental guidance if the victim had dependents.
Source: First Coast News “1 arrested another sought in fatal pedestrian crash,” June 16, 2013
