Pedestrian Killed in Crash on US-41 in Bradenton

Pedestrians have no protection in the event of an accident. Because of this, they need to be very careful when crossing roads.

Sadly, a man was killed in a recent pedestrian crash in Bradenton. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of December 8 on US-41 near 28th Avenue West.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, a 41-year-old Bradenton man was driving a passenger van. He was heading south on US-41 in the right lane near 28th Avenue West. At the same time, a pedestrian, a 35-year-old Bradenton man, was standing on the sidewalk. He suddenly entered the westbound lanes of US-41 and was hit by the van. The pedestrian died at the accident scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

US-41, also known locally as 14th Street West, is a heavily traveled road in Bradenton. It is known for having multiple intersecting side streets and poor nighttime visibility. The road has seen serious traffic safety incidents. Due to frequent accidents, there have been ongoing road improvement efforts.

US-41 is built like a highway even though it runs through densely populated areas. US-41 carries commuter traffic, tourist traffic, delivery trucks, and buses. Multiple wide lanes encourage higher speeds. There are stretches where marked crosswalks or signals are spaced far apart. This means pedestrians end up crossing mid-block. Long crossing distances mean people are exposed longer to moving traffic.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents So Severe?

Pedestrian accidents are often severe because the human body has no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Even at relatively low speeds, a car can cause catastrophic injuries. Here are the biggest reasons these crashes are so serious:

• Vehicle speed determines the force of impact. A person hit at 40 mph faces a dramatically higher risk of death than at 20 mph. The body absorbs the full impact.
• Height and weight mismatch. Cars weigh thousands of pounds. That mass striking an unprotected person typically leads to head, spine, or internal injuries.
• Secondary impacts. After the initial hit, pedestrians are often thrown onto the ground or into other objects, adding more trauma.
• Poor visibility. Many severe pedestrian crashes happen at night or in poorly lit areas, giving drivers less time to brake and reducing the chance of a survivable, lower-speed collision.
• SUV and truck dangers. Larger vehicles strike higher on the body, impacting the chest and head instead of the legs. This dramatically increases fatality rates.
• Lack of crosswalks or safe crossing areas. Where roads have fast traffic and few pedestrian protections, people are more exposed.

Contact Us Today

Pedestrians face significant risks. Those who are hit by vehicles should seek legal help right away.

A Bradenton pedestrian accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist you. We will provide the quality representation and personal attention you deserve following a pedestrian accident. Come get justice. Call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

tampabay28.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/bradenton-pedestrian-fatally-struck-by-van-on-us-41-mcso