7-Year-Old Girl Killed, Two Other Children Injured After Being Hit by Pickup Truck in Tampa

A heartbreaking tragedy occurred Sunday night in Tampa, Florida, when a driver struck three children crossing the road, killing a 7-year-old girl and injuring two others. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash happened around 7:50 p.m. at North 56th Street and Society Park Boulevard.

Investigators say a 34-year-old man driving a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling along 56th Street when the three children ran across the roadway. The truck hit all three juveniles before coming to a stop.

FHP reports that an 11-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the 7-year-old girl sustained critical injuries and later passed away.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and authorities have not released the identities of those involved.

Accidents like this highlight one of the most devastating realities of roadway safety — children are among the most vulnerable pedestrians. Their smaller size, limited judgment, and unpredictability make them especially susceptible to severe or fatal injuries in collisions with motor vehicles.

Under Florida law, both drivers and parents should understand the rights of pedestrians and the legal responsibilities that follow in the aftermath of such tragedies.

Florida law holds drivers to a duty of care toward pedestrians, particularly in residential and high-traffic areas where children are likely to be present.

According to Florida Statute §316.130, motorists must:

• Exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.
• Give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.
• Exercise proper precaution when observing children or individuals with disabilities on the roadway.

Even when a child unexpectedly enters the roadway, investigators often evaluate whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent at the time of impact.

Children are particularly vulnerable in traffic collisions due to several factors:

• Reduced visibility: Drivers may not see small children until it’s too late.
• Lack of situational awareness: Young children often misjudge vehicle speeds or distances.
• Even low-speed impacts can be fatal: Studies show that being struck by a vehicle traveling as little as 30 mph can cause life-threatening injuries to a child.

In this case, the 7-year-old victim’s critical injuries underscore how even a momentary lapse of attention on the part of a driver can lead to unimaginable consequences.

Establishing Liability After a Pedestrian Fatality

Following fatal pedestrian accidents, law enforcement and legal teams investigate several key factors to determine who may be held liable. These include:

• Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or failure to yield.
• Environmental conditions: Poor lighting, lack of signage, or unsafe crossing areas.
• Parental supervision: In some cases, investigators consider whether proper supervision was provided, particularly when children cross busy streets.

In wrongful death cases involving minors, families may file a civil claim under Florida Statutes §768.16–768.26 (Florida Wrongful Death Act) to recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.

When a child is killed in a pedestrian accident, only the child’s parents or legal guardians may bring a wrongful death claim. The statute provides for financial recovery to help ease the burden of emotional and economic losses.

Damages in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the accident
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving parents
• Loss of companionship and protection

Under Fla. Stat. §95.11(4)(d), families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule under §768.81, meaning compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

However, in cases involving children, Florida courts typically recognize that minors do not have the same capacity for judgment as adults. Therefore, fault is rarely attributed to the child, especially in cases involving elementary or middle school–aged victims.

How Parents Can Protect Their Legal Rights

If your child has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to take the following steps:

1. Obtain the police report from FHP or the local sheriff’s office.
2. Preserve evidence, including photos of the scene and contact information for witnesses.
3. Avoid speaking to insurance companies without an attorney present.
4. Consult with a wrongful death or personal injury attorney to review your case.

Losing a child in a pedestrian accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. While no amount of money can replace such a loss, pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim can provide accountability and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida in fatal accident and negligence cases, including pedestrian, bicycle, and child injury claims.

We offer compassionate, dedicated representation and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (305) 638-4143 for a free consultation.