Orlando Driver Identified in Tuesday’s Fatal Pedestrian Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 15, 2015

The driver of the vehicle that struck and fatally injured a 61-year-old man Tuesday night in Orange County has been identified. Jorge Prado, a 20-year-old from Orlando was driving on Sandlake Road around 9 p.m. when he encountered the 61-year-old man. The unidentified victim was trying to cross the road, but not at an intersection or crosswalk. His name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the accident are unclear at this point, but it is certain that the accident happened after dark on a stretch of road that is not well lit. Further, because the man was not at an intersection or crosswalk the driver may not have been expecting him to cross. The accident remains under investigation at this point and but officials did say that charges were pending against the driver.

The Florida Highway Patrol estimates that there will be approximately 2000 deaths on Florida’s roads in 2015. Some of these will be accidents that involve pedestrians. Unfortunately, in an accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle, the pedestrian will most likely be severely injured or killed. It is important for motorists to remain vigilant behind the wheel, especially in urban areas where it is possible that an individual may suddenly step out into the street and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Practicing safe driving behaviors and remaining alert to your surroundings are the best way to avoid accidents of any kind, according to Florida Law Enforcement. Pedestrians should also be aware of the traffic around them and make good choices when entering the street. Cross at an intersection or crosswalk where motorists are expecting to see pedestrians and look out for other pedestrians around you who may not be paying attention.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

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.