Teen Critically Injured in Pedestrian Accident while walking to School

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 20, 2014

Florida Highway Patrol troopers report that a 14-year-old freshman at Timber Creek High was struck and critically injured in a pedestrian accident recently while walking to school. They say that the girl was trying to cross Waterford Chase Parkway at Oak Chase Drive in Waterford Lakes about 6:45 a.m. when he was struck by a 2007 Kia SUV driven by a 54-year-old Waterford Lakes man. Troopers say that the victim was on her way to her school-bus stop when she was struck. She was rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where she is being held in serious condition with undisclosed injuries.

In a statement, FHP spokesperson Sgt. Kim Montes told reporters, "The driver told us that the girl suddenly ran out in front of him. We don’t believe she was in the crosswalk based upon where she was hit. The driver was not going very fast based upon where he ended up stopping."

Troopers said that the driver of the SUV, who lives close to the school, stopped immediately after striking the girl and tried to help while witnesses called 911. He told troopers that he could not see the girl on the dark road until it was too late to stop.

Investigators had difficulty reconstructing the moments before the crash due to conflicting statements from witnesses.

"The problem we’re running into is that all the students that we got statements from are completely different from each other," Montes said. "Some are saying [the driver] had headlights on. Some are saying he didn’t. Some are saying she was in the crosswalk. Some are saying she was not in the crosswalk. Some are saying she ran out into the road. Some are saying the car was speeding. We’re trying to sort out the physical evidence…before making a determination," Montes said.

If troopers determine that the driver is not at fault for causing this pedestrian accident, that would be the exception, rather than the rule, as most Florida pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent drivers who:

• Drive too fast for conditions
• Are looking at cell phones or are otherwise distracted
• Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Disobey traffic signals
• Fail to observe pedestrians’ right-of-way
• Are otherwise negligent in the operation of their vehicles

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you have a right to seek damages against the driver and their insurance company. It is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced Orlando pedestrian accident lawyer, such as James O. Cunningham to learn more about the law, your rights and your legal options. Mr. Cunningham has used his skills, resources and experience as an Orlando personal injury attorney to help clients since 1977 and may be able to help you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve. Call him today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule a free 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.