Fatal Florida auto accident leaves officer and two others dead
Sometimes car accident victims are not in their cars or other vehicles at the time of the accident. For example, if a car breaks down or is involved in a minor crash, the motorists often need to pull off to the side of the road and call for help. This can put motorists and passengers in the position to have to get out of their vehicles. Being exposed to fast moving traffic without the protection of a vehicle around you can be very dangerous. While we would like to assume other drivers will take precautions to move over or slow down, many people do not and they end up making an already bad situation even worse.
A recent fatal auto accident in Florida has brought this unfortunate fact to light. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper died, along with two others, after a devastating accident on the side of a Marion County highway. Two were pronounced dead at the scene of and a third man passed away while recovering at an area hospital.
The FHP trooper was at the scene of an auto accident and speaking to a tow truck after moving the scene to the side of the roadway. While speaking with the tow truck driver, another accident took place near the scene of the original crash. While the exact cause of the second accident has not been reported, what is known is that a driver lost control of his or her vehicle and hit the people on the side of the road.
This accident highlights the danger and risk inherent on all roadways. Even when not driving or riding in an automobile, cars and trucks still pose a danger to pedestrians. This case should remind Florida motorists of the risks of the road as well as the importance of acting responsibly with both your own and others’ safety.
If you or a loved one are the victims of an auto accident, or have lost someone in a fatal auto accident, you are entitled to protect your rights and hold a negligent party accountable for damages. It may be a good idea to speak with an attorney who can help you understand these rights.
Source: WKMG, "Third person dies in crash that killed trooper, tow truck driver," Lisa McDonald, May. 3, 2014