Garbage Trucks Backs Over and Kills Lake Nona Man

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 28, 2017

It was just a few days before Christmas and shortly before 7:00 in the morning when the 73-year-old Lear took his dog for a walk near his Lake Nona Home in Orange County. Lear and his dog followed their normal route, a path which took them to the intersection of Prestbury Drive and Kelsall Drive, just east of Narcoossee Road and close to the location of Lake Nona Middle School.

At the same time, a garbage truck being driven by the Philippe, a 42-year-old Orlando resident was operating in the area. Following standard procedure, Walner had reached an area of his route which required him to reverse his large vehicle. The paths of Philippe and Lear crossed at this point, and when Philippe began reversing his truck Lear was located almost directly behind the vehicle.

Lear’s back was to the garbage truck and he was also situated in the truck’s blind spot. Neither of the two men were aware of the situation until after it happened.

A witness to the incident reportedly called 9-1-1 and then rushed over to the badly injured Lear. The witness told police with the Florida Highway Patrol that Lear was coherent at that time and was able to say his name as well as ask the witness to pray with him. The initial report did not specify where Philippe was at this moment, however it is believed that he remained at the scene of the incident and continues to fully cooperate with police.

FCC Environmental Services, the private sanitation contractor which employees Philippe, is also cooperating fully with the Florida Highway Patrol during the investigation into the incident. According to Sgt. Kim Montes, spokesperson for the FHP, the scenario is difficult because both Lear and Philippe were obeying the law when the accident occurred.

Lear’s dog was also hurt in the incident and is receiving treatment for its injuries at a nearby vet clinic.

Charges against Philippe are pending while a full investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol commences. It is not believed that he was taken into custody.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.