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71-Year-Old Man Killed, 81-Year-Old Woman Seriously Injured While Crossing East Hanna Avenue in Tampa
A tragic pedestrian accident in Tampa claimed the life of a 71-year-old man and left an 81-year-old woman — who was in a wheelchair — with serious injuries Monday night, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD).
The fatal incident happened around 9 p.m. Monday at the intersection of East Hanna Avenue and North 24th Street.
Police said the two elderly pedestrians were crossing southbound on East Hanna Avenue when a 2013 Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 23-year-old man, struck them. The Jeep had been traveling eastbound when another vehicle ahead swerved suddenly to avoid hitting the pair. Unfortunately, the Jeep’s driver was unable to stop in time and struck both victims.
Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, where the man was pronounced dead. The woman sustained serious, life-threatening injuries, but is expected to survive, according to police.
The driver of the Jeep remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities do not believe impairment was a factor, though they are still reviewing how fast the Jeep was traveling at the time of the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Under Florida Statute §316.130, both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for avoiding accidents. Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians — particularly vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those using mobility devices.
Florida consistently ranks among the deadliest states for pedestrians, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. In 2024 alone, more than 800 pedestrians lost their lives statewide — many of them in crosswalks or along neighborhood roads just like East Hanna Avenue.
Potential Legal Options for Victims and Families
When a pedestrian is struck and killed, their surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute §§768.16–768.26. If the pedestrian survives but suffers serious injuries, they may be entitled to a personal injury claim for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering.
In this case, potential claims may involve:
- Driver negligence: Even if the driver did not intend harm, failing to stop in time, speeding, or failing to yield to pedestrians in the roadway may constitute negligence.
- Municipal liability: If inadequate street lighting, obstructed crosswalks, or poor signage contributed to the accident, the City of Tampa or Florida Department of Transportation could share liability under limited sovereign immunity provisions.
- Product liability: In rare cases, mechanical failures — such as faulty brakes or lighting systems — can lead to claims against vehicle manufacturers or maintenance companies.
Compensation Available in Fatal and Serious Injury Cases
Families and survivors may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the crash
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or support
- Lost wages or future earning capacity
If the injured pedestrian survives but faces permanent disability or disfigurement, their claim may also include future medical care and home modifications for accessibility.
Because Florida operates under a comparative negligence system (§768.81), damages can still be recovered even if the victim was partially at fault — for instance, if they crossed outside of a designated crosswalk. However, their recovery would be reduced in proportion to their share of fault.
What to Do After a Serious Pedestrian Accident
If your loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a pedestrian accident:
- Request the crash report from the Tampa Police Department.
- Preserve evidence — including clothing, wheelchair components, photos, and surveillance footage.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Consult an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer to protect your family’s rights.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of catastrophic accidents and grieving families across Florida. Our attorneys understand how devastating pedestrian crashes can be — especially when they involve vulnerable individuals like seniors or those with disabilities.
We handle every aspect of the investigation and work tirelessly to ensure responsible parties are held accountable. Our firm covers all upfront costs and only collects fees if we win compensation for you.
Our mission is simple: to fight for justice, accountability, and financial relief for families affected by preventable tragedies throughout Tampa and across Florida.