Elderly Pedestrian Hit by Car in Leesburg

Older adults and the elderly are actually at a heightened risk for being injured or killed in a pedestrian accident. Those over the age of 65 make up around 18% of all pedestrian accident deaths. This same age bracket accounts for 10% of all pedestrian injuries.

A 74-year-old Leesburg man was injured after being struck by a SUV while crossing the street recently.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Thomas Avenue around 5 p.m.

The man was hit by a 2005 Mercury SUV driven by 26-year-old Leesburg woman.

According to the police report, the man was crossing the street at Thomas Avenue when he walked into the path of the woman’s SUV.

He was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center for his injuries.

Pedestrians are more than just those that choose to walk. Bicyclists, skateboarders, joggers, etc. are all classified as pedestrians. Anytime a pedestrian is involved in a car crash, the results can often be tragic. If a pedestrian survives a crash with a motor vehicle, they are usually left suffering severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones and fractures, serious burn injuries, loss of limbs, and the list goes on.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident involving a car, truck, SUV, or any other type of automobile, your first priority should be getting medical attention for your injuries. Next you need to obtain legal counsel so that your rights are protected and benefits can be secured on your behalf. Our Villages Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want to make sure that you understand all of your rights and what you are entitled to after a pedestrian accident has left you suffering. We can deal with the insurance companies involved and answer all of your questions. We will do everything we can to get you the maximum financial compensation for your losses.

Walking has many health benefits, both physical and emotional. Seniors that get out and walk have the ability to increase their muscle strength and enjoy some fresh air whether that be by themselves or with friends. The reality is that many senior citizens suffer from vision and hearing loss, which can make walking a dangerous excursion. They may not be able to hear an oncoming vehicle or get out of the way quick enough to avoid an accident with a negligent driver who failed to stop. While we pointed out earlier that the elderly population is at a greater risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident, there are some simple safety measures that can be taken to help prevent a deadly accident from happening.

• Before crossing any streets, all pedestrians should look around for any approaching vehicles. It is always better to be overly cautious, so take your time looking around for cars before entering the street.
• If a sidewalk is there, use it. If there is no sidewalk, then make sure you are walking facing traffic so that you are seen by drivers.
• Be on the lookout for cars that are backing up.
• Plan a safe walking route ahead of time. Know your limitations and work with them to create a walk that is tailored to suit your specific needs. You may need to plan a walk only using sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian conveniences.
• Wear clothing that is bright so that you are visible to oncoming drivers.
• Get out and walk with friends. Groups of people walking are much more visible to drivers than just one person walking. You can get some physical exercise while enjoying the company of others, so really walking in a group is a win win. You can also keep an eye on each other and help out if there is an emergency situation that arises.
• If you are not feeling well physically, then skip the walks until you are feeling better.
• Always be aware of speeding and distracted drivers. They are everywhere.

Even the most cautious pedestrians can be involved in accidents with motor vehicles. If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian-related crash in The Villages or anywhere in Lake, Marion, or Sumter counties, The Villages Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are here to help you through this difficult time. We will walk you through all of the steps necessary to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.